The Royal Navy's Only Female Commando Pilot Falls in Helicopter Crash

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, the Royal Navy's only serving female commando pilot, died in a helicopter crash in Devon on Wednesday, along with two crewmates, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green. The incident has prompted tributes from the King, Defence Secretary, and the Navy, hailing her as an inspiration and the crew as heroes for avoiding populated areas.

The Royal Navy's only serving female commando shared poignant footage of herself fulfilling her long-held dream of flying helicopters for the military just days before her death. Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher was on her final training run when the Merlin Mk4 helicopter she was piloting came down in a field in Devon just before 4am on Wednesday.

A Life of Courage and Service

Lt Fisher, described by many as an inspiration to women in the armed forces, had shared photos and videos of herself flying the same type of helicopter just days before her death.. She took to Instagram to celebrate her progress through the military, sharing a photograph of herself grinning while at the controls alongside a video in which the Merlin Mk4 was seen firing ammunition in a training exercise.

'Be the person who took the leap, took the risks, bet on yourself, made the money, and lives the life you once dreamed of,' she told her 50,000 followers. 'Whilst always chasing the next goal every year, it's so easy to forget to stop and recognise how far I've actually come.'

A Legacy of Inspiration

The King said today he was left 'profoundly shocked' by the fatal Royal Navy helicopter crash and said the service of those killed was 'held in the highest regard'. Defence Secretary John Healey said on Wednesday that the three, who were based in Yeovil, Somerset, were 'dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces'.

The Royal Navy's only serving female commando shared poignant footage of herself fulfilling her long-held dream of flying helicopters for the military just days before her death. Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher was on her final training run when the Merlin Mk4 helicopter she was piloting came down in a field in Devon just before 4am on Wednesday.

Who is the Unnamed Buyer?

The exact circumstances of the incident have not been ascertained, but residents living in the area hailed the crew, who were part of 846 Naval Air Squadron, as 'heroes' who 'saved lives' by avoiding nearby homes and a Travelodge hotel.

The crash came just weeks before Lt Fisher was due to receive her flying wings after years of training to join one of the most elite units in the military.

A Familiar Pattern from the 2019 Crash

The incident has prompted tributes from the King, Defence Secretary, and the Navy, hailing her as an inspiration and the crew as heroes for avoiding populated areas.

The Royal Navy's only serving female commando shared poignant footage of herself fulfilling her long-held dream of flying helicopters for the military just days before her death .