‘Pedal fault’ led to Leicester helicopter crash

The helicopter involved in a crash that killed the owner of Leicester City lost control after the pilot’s pedals became disconnected from the tail rotor, investigators said.

This resulted in the aircraft making an uncontrollable right turn before it spun and crashed, according to a special bulletin by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The report revealed a system linking the pilot’s pedals with the tail rotor failed. An inspection at the crash site found parts of a mechanism had become disconnected and there was a “build-up of black grease”.

The AW169 helicopter fell to the ground near Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. All five people on board, including Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, were killed.