Hiker falls from a cliff, Italian Air Force AB-212 helicopter takes off to support rescue operations. The helicopter, which took off from Decimomannu military airport at 12:15, initially stopped at Nuoro hospital, where it embarked a rescue team from the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS), before reaching the accident area at 13:30. The deep mountain gorge in which it was necessary to operate put the entire crew and CNSAS personnel to a severe test, who, despite the difficulties, recovered the hiker at 14:30 using a stretcher lowered by hoist. The injured person was handed over at 14:45 at Nuoro hospital for medical treatment.
The rescue mission, named Rescue India Lima Alpha, returned to its parent base at Decimomannu at 15:30. The 80th Centre is one of the departments of the 15th Wing of the Italian Air Force which guarantees 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the search and rescue of flight crews in difficulty, also contributing to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, emergency medical transport of patients in life-threatening conditions and the rescue of severely traumatised people.
Since its establishment to the present day, the crews of the 15th Wing have saved approximately 6,900 people whose lives were in danger.
In recent years, partly due to the changed global scenario, the 15th Stormo has been engaged in international humanitarian missions alongside its domestic commitments.
The 15th Wing has rescue and support capabilities regarding military personnel in hostile territory (Combat SAR) and support for the security of sensitive areas and targets during major public events in the national territory, such as the interception of low-performance aircraft (Slow Movers Interception).
