Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen was fortunate to avoid serious injury this afternoon when the door of a helicopter in which he was travelling came off 500 feet over Killarney National Park.
The Air Corps helicopter was bringing the minister and one of his officials back to Dublin from an Irish Hotels Federation conference in Co Kerry when it was forced to make an emergency landing at a helicopter pad at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
It had been in the air for less than three minutes when the main door on the left hand side came loose and fell to the ground.
According to a Defence Forces statement, the two passengers and three crew are safe and well.
In a statement this evening Mr Cullen said he wanted to thank the helicopter's crew for theis professionalism and calmness.
"I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Air Corps AW 139 crew members, Captain Lee Brennan, Lieutenant Oisin McGrath and Airman Patrick Mahon for their professionalism and calmness this afternoon. The crew were exceptionally efficient and acted superbly. Full credit should be given to them for their outstanding skill," he said.
"At all stages the situation was under control and it is a testament to their utter professionalism as airmen."
We are well served by our Air Corps personnel," he added.
Another helicopter was diverted from Cork to bring the minister back to Dublin this evening.
The aircraft, an AW 139, will remain grounded until technicians from Air Corps HQ at Baldonnel examine it on the ground.
The helicopter had brought Mr Cullen from Waterford to Killarney this morning and while it can fly with its doors open under certain speeds, this is normally in military and winching roles.
The Minster for Defence, Willie O’Dea, and the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley have been fully updated on the situation and will be receiving a report on the incident in due course.