British helicopter pilot shot between the eyes by Taliban, manages to fly 20 to safety

Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, 28, had flown the helicopter to pick up casualties during a firefight between American and Afghan forces and heavily-armed rebels near Garmsir in Helmand Province. 

The pilot was told that it was too dangerous to land, so he continued circling over the area until troops reported incoming fire had calmed down.

The Chinook came under fire after eventually landing, which continued as casualties were being loaded on board, and Flt-Lt Fortune was shot by a Taliban bullet as he took off.

A bullet hit a metal rail on the front of his helmet which is used to attach night vision goggles.The round then penetrated his helmet hitting him between the eyes. It knocked his head back and caused severe bleeding, reports The Sun.

Further bullets followed, hitting the helicopter's controls and damaging the stabilisation system.

With blood pouring into his eyes, Flt-Lt Fortune tried to regain control over the chopper. He was able to continue flying for eight minutes before landing at Camp Bastion.

He was rushed to the field hospital and treated for his wound.

[Souce: The Sun]