Squadron Leader Brandon, of XXIV Squadron, at RAF Brize Norton, has been recognised by the RAF Safety Centre by being awarded one of the RAF’s highest Flight Safety accolades, a Green Endorsement. The award recognises his exceptional flying skill, judgement, and a high degree of Crew Resource Management in handling a dynamic aircraft emergency.
His exceptional actions demonstrated a high level of systems and operating knowledge and outline his vast experience as an aviator. His management of both the aircraft and his crew, during this demanding situation, were in line with the highest standards the RAF strive to maintain, and those that others should aspire to. These actions resulted in him being awarded the RAF Green Endorsement safety award, which was presented to him by Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Blackwell at XXIV Squadron.
Squadron Leader Brandon and his A400M crew were conducting tasking with the Royal Navy in the South Atlantic, north of the Falkland Islands, when a serious emergency occurred when climbing away from low level over the sea.
On passing 6000ft Engine No.1 failed. The crew carried out the immediate actions correctly and turned the aircraft towards the Falkland Islands. Shortly afterwards, when established in the cruise, the crew noticed that the Engine No.2 oil quantity level was falling, and so the crew prepared for a second engine failure. During all initial and subsequent actions Squadron Leader Brandon involved his whole crew effectively with follow up actions being conducted by both the Co-Pilot and Air Loadmaster. At this point they were over an hour’s flying time from the nearest point of land as the sun set over the South Atlantic. At all times Squadron Leader Brandon remained calm and focused on the recovery, keeping the crew involved and informed, demonstrating a high degree of Crew Resource Management and Captaincy. With icing conditions to avoid, necessary due to the systems lost after the engine failure, and the possibility of a second engine failing always in the back of his mind Squadron Leader Brandon briefed the crew for the recovery and carried out a text book 3-engine approach to land without further incident.
