Witness list compiled as date set for Clutha fatal accident inquiry

A fatal accident inquiry into the Clutha helicopter crash that claimed ten lives will start in April, it has been confirmed.

Seven customers, the pilot and two officers onboard were killed when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed on to the roof of the Glasgow pub in November 2013.

The latest preliminary hearing was told the full fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will start on 8 April at Hampden Park.

Family members, Police Scotland, Airbus Helicopters and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are among those represented at 0 Ten people died when the helicopter hit the Clutha bar

the inquiry. Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull, who is overseeing the FAI, said 17 parties were participating in the inquiry, which will sit until at least into August with a series of adjournments due to events at Hampden Park.

Lawyers representing some of the victims’ families said their participation could be limited due to funding, with Legal Aid applications in process.

Sheriff Turnbull set a further preliminary hearing in January for updates on the Legal Aid issue.

Roddy Dunlop QC, representing Airbus Helicopters, said a video simulation of the helicopter flight should be completed in January and will form part of the FAI.

The Crown is working to “whittle down” the potential witness list before April.