Five killed after pilot flew into a mountain
FIVE relatives died after a helicopter ploughed into a mountain in bad weather while travelling to a Confirmation party in Ireland, an official report concluded.
The probe also found three brothers – two of whom were accompanied by their wives – stood no chance when the aircraft crashed in Wales last March.
It said the pilot did not turn away from the cloud, divert the copter or land despite having the chance to do so.
Milton Keynes-based construction millionaire
Kevin Burke, 56, and his businessmen brothers Donald, 55, and 51-year-old Barry were killed.
Kevin’s wife Ruth, 49, and Donald’s 48-year-old spouse Sharon also died. They had been travelling from Bedfordshire to Dublin to attend a family Confirmation and planned to return the same day.
The helicopter was reported missing when it failed to arrive in Ireland, sparking a massive search operation, which initially focused on the Irish Sea before shifting to Snowdonia.
The twin-engined aircraft was found in a treacherous area with recovery of the bodies taking days to complete.
Air Accident Investigation said the Airbus AS355 Ecureuil, built in 1982, was flying on a Visual Flight Rules plan.
This required it to be clear of cloud and in sight of the surface with a minimum visibility of 1,500m.
The report said: “The weather on departure was suitable for VFR but, as forecast, deteriorated markedly in Snowdonia with low cloud and rain.
“The helicopter flew over a witness 4.3 miles south-west of the accident site before disappearing into the cloud.
“Shortly afterwards it struck the east face of Rhinog Fawr, fatally injuring the five occupants.” Pilot Kevin Burke was experienced
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Snowdonia in Wales with more than 3,500 flying hours. He had renewed his licence in 2016 and had a night rating but did not hold any instrument qualifications.
The report said: “As part of the renewal the pilot was required to demonstrate level turns on instruments and maintaining altitude while wearing Foggles.
“This was intended to demonstrate that should an inadvertent entry be made into cloud the pilot would be able to reverse the aircraft’s track and return to an area clear of the cloud.”
A postmortem on the pilot found a small amount of alcohol and other substances but their effect, if any, on his performance could not be determined due to the severe trauma he sustained. The investigation did not identify engithe neering defects and records showed the aircraft had been properly maintained. Evidence showed the helicopter struck a rock outcrop in a relatively level attitude at high speed.
Computer data revealed the aircraft had kept to its planned track for much of the flight before crashing at midday on March 29.
The report concluded: “The weather was a significant factor in the accident and from the ipad download, weather information was available to the pilot prior to and during the flight.
“The pilot would have been flying towards the deteriorating weather. If unable to maintain VFR the pilot had the option to turn back, divert or land.
“If he continued, the poor visibility and low cloud forecast for Valley and Dublin would have meant a low level crossing of the Irish Sea in marginal weather conditions.
“The helicopter was seen to enter cloud when at an altitude of approximately 2,500ft heading towards the high ground of Rhinog Fawr which has a summit of 2,360 feet.
“The helicopter, which was descending, continued on its track. Having entered cloud there appears to have been no attempt to turn back.”
An inquest into the deaths has been formally opened and adjourned. It will be resumed in the next few weeks.
The pilot would have been flying towards the deteriorating weather OFFICIAL CRASH
REPORT