Mechanical failure led to helicopter crash

A “very experienced” pilot and his passenger died when a catastrophic mechanical failure caused their helicopter to plunge to the bottom of Flamborough cliffs, an inquest has heard.

A two-day jury inquest at Hull Coroner’s Court heard pilot Capt Brian Bridgman, 58, of Kent and his passenger, Mr John Kent, 50, of Romford, both died when the Augusta Bell Jet Ranger suddenly lost power in September 2014.

The inquest heard the aircraft’s engine turbine had been overhauled by an American firm in November 2011, and was completed in September 2012.

Mr Thorne said he was satisfied with the procedures taken by the company to ensure the overhaul was carried out properly.

Andrew Blackie, of the AAIB, added Capt Bridgman was a “very experienced pilot”, and decided not to depart Edinburgh as planned on September 15, due to “unsuitable” weather.

After setting off the following day, the helicopter landed at a caravan park at Boggle Hole, near Robin Hood’s Bay.

They were met by a landowner who described the weather as “thick fog”, according to the AAIB’s report, and offered Mr Bridgman and Mr Kent accommodation for the night. They declined and flew towards Flamborough Head, before crashing. But witnesses said the mist had cleared further down the coast at Flamborough before the accident. Mr Blackie said Capt Bridgman likely “attempted to land on the golf course and there was insufficient energy in the rotor system to allow him to do so”. The emergency manoeuvre Mr Bridgman is thought to have attempted is known as an ‘autorotation’.

On Thursday, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, concluding the engine failure probably contributed to the deaths. They also concluded the manner in which Capt Bridgman flew the helicopter did not contribute to his or Mr Kent’s death.