The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Pilot dies after helicopter crash
Aviation: Aircraft was transporting containers for North Uist fish farm
A 58-YEAR-OLD helicopter pilot was killed yesterday after the aircraft he was flying plunged into a Western Isles loch.
The AS350 squirrel helicopter, operated by PDG Aviation Services, went down in Loch Scadavay in North Uist. The alarm was raised with emergency teams at 10.15am.
An Air Accident Investigations Branch spokesman said their team is due to arrive on site today to start collecting and documenting evidence and speak to witnesses.
The aircraft, which had just one person on board, was transporting containers to a nearby fish farm. Last night Western Isles politician Angus MacNeil said: “It is sad and my heart goes out to their family and friends. They were doing an important job.”
A 58-year-old pilot has died after the helicopter he was flying crashed into a Western Isles loch yesterday.
Emergency and Coastguard teams were sent to Loch Scadavay in North Uist at 10.15am after the AS350 squirrel aircraft plunged into the water.
The aircraft, which had just one person on board, was transporting containers in connection with a nearby fish farm.
An Air Accidents Investigation Branch spokesman said a team of five people – including three inspectors – has been sent to investigate the accident and they are expected to arrive today.
The spokesman said their “priority” is to document and preserve physical evidence – from the aircraft and details such as ground marks and fuel samples – and speak to witnesses. The wreckage will usually then be recovered and taken to a facility in Farnborough.
Last night, Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said: “It is extremely sad news and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the person involved.
“They were also doing an important job for the islands at the time.”
Chief Inspector Ian Graham, Area Commander for the Western Isles said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the man’s family and the local community at this difficult time.
“Our inquiries into this are ongoing and we are liaising with other agencies, including the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau, in order to establish the full circumstances.
“The A867 between Lochmaddy and Clanach Na Luib has reopened.”
Police and other emergency services were sent to the scene – several miles from the nearest road – yesterday after the alarm was raised at 10.15am.
Coastguard teams from Stornoway, Benbecula, Tarbert, Scalpay, Griminish and Lochboisdale were sent to the scene, alongside a search and rescue helicopter based in Stornoway.
“They were also doing an important job for the islands”
An ambulance spokesman said they received a call at about 10.20am and sent two ambulances and a team leader.
A fire service spokesman said they were called to assist the ambulance service just after 10.25am.
Jerry Francis, chief executive of PDG Aviation Services, confirmed that the incident involved an AS350squirrelaircraft.
He said: “We are awaiting details of what happened. I do not know what height it may have fallen from into the water. Its 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.”
It is believed the helicopter was operating on behalf of Edinburgh-based Scottish Salmon Company, who have a number of sites in the Outer Hebrides, including at Langass which has a major hatchery and is near Loch Scadavay.
The A867 was closed yesterday between Lochmaddy and Clachan na Luib until mid afternoon, with a diversion in place via the A865.
Loganair flights to and from Benbecula Airport were also disrupted by the incident.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan and Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron also voiced their concerns about the incident on social media yesterday.