Eurocopter AS365Fi Dauphin crash near Tramore, Ireland

Irish Air Corps Eurocopter Dauphin (callsign Rescue 111, registration DH248) crashed into sand dunes at Tramore beach, Co. Waterford, shortly after midnight while returning from a successful rescue mission off Dungarvan. It was the first night of 24-hour SAR operations from Waterford Airport. In dense fog, the crew made two unsuccessful ILS approaches to Waterford Airport, then attempted a coastal approach. During a probable go-around, the helicopter struck the dunes. Captain Dave O'Flaherty (30), Captain Mick Baker (28), Sergeant Paddy Mooney (34), and Corporal Niall Byrne (25) were killed. All four were posthumously awarded distinguished service medals.