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19/07/2002
Chinook pilots may not be exonerated
The two pilots of the Chinook helicopter that crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994 may not be cleared of "gross negligence" despite a finding by peers that there was no justification for the pilots to be blamed for the crash.
Campaigners have been waiting for an official government response to the Hose of Lords Select Committee report which found that there was no justification to find fault with the pilots for the crash that killed all 29 people on board the helicopter.
The two pilots Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook were both killed in the crash and there were no witnesses to what befell the Chinook helicopter carrying intelligence officers as it hit a hillside in thick fog while on its way to Inverness in Scotland from Northern Ireland.
Campaigners, including the father and the wife of one of the pilots, have maintained that there were serious concerns with the safety of the aircraft which had undergone a major refit as part of an upgrade to convert the machine from a Mark I to a Mark II Chinook.
A report made by two senior RAF officers concluded that the crash had been a result of "gross negligence" by the pilots, but campaigners remain hopeful that the RAF may reconvene a board of inquiry or set aside the former findings.
The initial internal inquiry conducted by the RAF, which was unable to reach a conclusion as to the cause of the crash, found no "human failings". However, this finding was overturned by senior officers, two Air Marshals, who concluded that there had been pilot error involved in the crash.
It is understood that Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is due to make a statement on the matter to the House of Commons on Monday.
(SP)
Campaigners have been waiting for an official government response to the Hose of Lords Select Committee report which found that there was no justification to find fault with the pilots for the crash that killed all 29 people on board the helicopter.
The two pilots Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook were both killed in the crash and there were no witnesses to what befell the Chinook helicopter carrying intelligence officers as it hit a hillside in thick fog while on its way to Inverness in Scotland from Northern Ireland.
Campaigners, including the father and the wife of one of the pilots, have maintained that there were serious concerns with the safety of the aircraft which had undergone a major refit as part of an upgrade to convert the machine from a Mark I to a Mark II Chinook.
A report made by two senior RAF officers concluded that the crash had been a result of "gross negligence" by the pilots, but campaigners remain hopeful that the RAF may reconvene a board of inquiry or set aside the former findings.
The initial internal inquiry conducted by the RAF, which was unable to reach a conclusion as to the cause of the crash, found no "human failings". However, this finding was overturned by senior officers, two Air Marshals, who concluded that there had been pilot error involved in the crash.
It is understood that Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is due to make a statement on the matter to the House of Commons on Monday.
(SP)
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22 July 2002
MoD refuse to exonerate Chinook crash pilots
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declined to accept a report by a House of Lords select committee into the 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre. Despite a finding by peers that there was no justification for the pilots to be blamed for the crash, the MoD said it "did not accept" the conclusion of the Lords select committee.
MoD refuse to exonerate Chinook crash pilots
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declined to accept a report by a House of Lords select committee into the 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre. Despite a finding by peers that there was no justification for the pilots to be blamed for the crash, the MoD said it "did not accept" the conclusion of the Lords select committee.
05 February 2002
RAF pilots cleared of blame for Chinook 1994 Mull of Kintyre crash
Two RAF pilots have been effectively cleared of causing the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre in which 29 people died. A House of Lords select committee concluded on Tuesday February 5 there was no justification for finding fault with the two pilots.
RAF pilots cleared of blame for Chinook 1994 Mull of Kintyre crash
Two RAF pilots have been effectively cleared of causing the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre in which 29 people died. A House of Lords select committee concluded on Tuesday February 5 there was no justification for finding fault with the two pilots.
27 May 2010
Chinook Pilots 'Negligence' To Be Reviewed
There's to be another investigation into the now infamous crash of a Chinook helicopter near Inverness. Confusion and distress has been continuing for the relatives of the two RAF pilots variously cleared and then found guilty of 'gross negligence' after multiple fatalities in the crash on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994.
Chinook Pilots 'Negligence' To Be Reviewed
There's to be another investigation into the now infamous crash of a Chinook helicopter near Inverness. Confusion and distress has been continuing for the relatives of the two RAF pilots variously cleared and then found guilty of 'gross negligence' after multiple fatalities in the crash on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994.
09 December 2008
Chinook Pilots Verdict To Stand
There's bad news today for relatives of two RAF pilots, as an earlier verdict of 'gross negligence' on the two dead servicemen looks set to remain in place.
Chinook Pilots Verdict To Stand
There's bad news today for relatives of two RAF pilots, as an earlier verdict of 'gross negligence' on the two dead servicemen looks set to remain in place.
15 February 2018
Woman 'Critical' After Collision In Armagh
A woman, aged in her 20s, is in a critical condition in hospital after a one-vehicle crash just outside Armagh. The collision happened on the Moy Road at around 2.30am on Thursday, 15 February. The victim's white Mercedes Sport crashed near to the Ballygassoon Road junction. The road has been reopened.
Woman 'Critical' After Collision In Armagh
A woman, aged in her 20s, is in a critical condition in hospital after a one-vehicle crash just outside Armagh. The collision happened on the Moy Road at around 2.30am on Thursday, 15 February. The victim's white Mercedes Sport crashed near to the Ballygassoon Road junction. The road has been reopened.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
