Helicopter pilot on salmon farm f light dies as he crashes into loch

A PILOT died yesterday after a helicopter crashed into an island loch.

The aircraft, which was transporting containers at a nearby fish farm, was seen floating at Loch Scadavay on North Uist.

It is believed the pilot was the only person aboard and a probe has been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch which has sent a team to the Western Isles.

Police Scotland and other emergency services went to the crash scene after the alarm was raised around 10.15am.

Coastguard rescue teams from Stornoway, Benbecula, Tarbert, Scalpay, Griminish and Lochboisdale were sent, alongside the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Stornoway.

The Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended but the 59-year-old pilot could not be saved.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said: ‘This is devastating and concerning news. My thoughts are with all those involved and those who are helping on the scene.’

As a result of the incident the A867 was closed between Lochmaddy and Clachan Na Luib, with a diversion via the A865.

A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said its team, including three inspectors, would arrive on North Uist today, adding: ‘Our inspectors’ priority is to document and preserve evidence to try to understand the initial circumstances of the accident.

‘They examine the physical evidence, including both the aircraft and details such as ground marks and fuel samples, and talk to witnesses while their recollection is still fresh.’

The PDG Aviation Services helicopter was an AS350 Squirrel that was believed to be operating on behalf of the Edinburgh-based Scottish Salmon Company, which has several sites in the Outer Hebrides, including a major hatchery at Langass near Loch Scadavay.

Jerry Francis, chief executive of PDG Aviation Services, said: ‘The helicopter was not transporting fish at the time but was conveying a load. We are awaiting details of what happened.

‘I do not know what height it may have fallen from into the water. It remains at the loch. We are awaiting further information and we are co-operating with the authorities. We have had no other previous accidents with this type of helicopter.’

Loganair flights to and from Benbecula Airport were disrupted by the incident.

A spokesman for the airline said: ‘Our thoughts are with all those affected.’

The Scottish Salmon Company was not available for comment last night.