Death crash copter pilot only on 2nd solo f light
A PILOT died on only his second solo flight when the gyrocopter he was flying crashed in the Highlands.
Paul Nichol, from Inverness, was killed when the aircraft came down in a field near Avoch in the Black Isle.
The 67-year-old was the sole occupant of the gyrocopter and was flying from Inverness when he crashed at around 12.55pm on Thursday.
It is understood he was making his second solo flight only a week after his first, when tragedy struck. He died at the scene.
Mr Nichol’s wife, Hazel Passmore, who is a jewellery designer in Inverness, made no comment yesterday and was being comforted by friends and family.
Highland Aviation, the flying club of which Mr Nichol was a member, published a statement on its website, offering its condolences.
It read: ‘We regret to announce there was a gyrocopter incident on Thursday that involved an aircraft operated by Highland Aviation.
‘We are all devastated by the loss of our friend, and our deepest sympathies go out to the pilot’s family and friends. We are assisting local police and Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) as they investigate this tragic loss.
‘The flying school is currently closed and will reopen on Monday, November 16.’
Both police and the AAIB were continuing their inquiries into the accident yesterday.
A post-mortem examination will be held and official identification will not be released by the police until then. Investigators have appealed for witnesses.
Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said: ‘We have already spoken to a number of people who witnessed the crash. However, we are appealing to anyone we haven’t spoken to to get in touch.’
He asked anyone with images or footage of the gyrocopter to get in touch by phoning 101.
A gyrocopter has a rotor similar to that of a helicopter and is generally a two- seater. However, they can also be flown solo.
It is thought the model being flown by Mr Nichol was a Cavalon, which resembles a mini-helicopter with a closed cockpit.