Clutha helicopter operators were ‘concerned’ about fuel gauge faults
The operators of a helicopter that crashed into a Glasgow’s Clutha pub were becoming increasingly concerned about problems with fuel indicators across the fleet in the months before the crash, an inquiry has heard.
Pilot David Traill, two other crew members and seven bar customers died when the police helicopter crashed in Glasgow on 29 November 2013. The helicopter manufacturer issued an information notice dated 21 January 2013 regarding water contamination of the fuel system. Martin Forster, avionics manager at Babcock that operated the helicopter, said the company repeatedly experienced problems with fuel probes and had to send them back to Airbus. The inquiry has heard the aircraft which crashed, an EC 135, experienced problems with fuel readings in the months before the crash.
David Adams, representing the partner of pilot David Traill, asked :“Prior to the crash in November 2013 were fuel indicator issues in EC135S a regular occurrence in your experience?”
Mr Forster replied :“Semiregular. The fuel probe replacements and problems with the fuel system were within the areas of the aircraft that we were concerned about.”