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09/12/2009
Puma Crash Caused By 'Pilot Error'
An inquest into the deaths of two SAS soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2007 has found the crash was primarily caused by pilot error.
Sgt John Battersby, 31, of Lancashire, and Cpl Lee Fitzsimmons, 26, from Peterborough, died in the crash, while two other servicemen were seriously injured in the incident in Baghdad.
Herefordshire coroner David Halpern also criticised the Ministry of Defence for "indefensible procedural and maintenance errors" and said a lack of equipment contributed to the men's deaths.
The inquest at Hereford Town Hall had heard that an anti-spill valve on the crashed helicopter was faulty and that the device might have prevented a fire taking hold so rapidly.
The soldiers' colleagues had attempted to rescue them but were unable to do so as a result of the aircraft exploding and ammunition "cooking off", causing a volley of bullets to fly out of the wreckage.
The crash happened as the soldiers tried to find and capture insurgents believed to be responsible for a bombing campaign.
Two Lynx helicopters and another Puma helicopter were also involved in the mission, which occurred on the evening of 20 November 2007.
Speaking to the hearing, Cpl Fitzsimmons' mother, Jacqui Auty, said: "When our sons lay their lives on the line for the greater good, I think they deserve better than this."
(NS/KMcA)
Sgt John Battersby, 31, of Lancashire, and Cpl Lee Fitzsimmons, 26, from Peterborough, died in the crash, while two other servicemen were seriously injured in the incident in Baghdad.
Herefordshire coroner David Halpern also criticised the Ministry of Defence for "indefensible procedural and maintenance errors" and said a lack of equipment contributed to the men's deaths.
The inquest at Hereford Town Hall had heard that an anti-spill valve on the crashed helicopter was faulty and that the device might have prevented a fire taking hold so rapidly.
The soldiers' colleagues had attempted to rescue them but were unable to do so as a result of the aircraft exploding and ammunition "cooking off", causing a volley of bullets to fly out of the wreckage.
The crash happened as the soldiers tried to find and capture insurgents believed to be responsible for a bombing campaign.
Two Lynx helicopters and another Puma helicopter were also involved in the mission, which occurred on the evening of 20 November 2007.
Speaking to the hearing, Cpl Fitzsimmons' mother, Jacqui Auty, said: "When our sons lay their lives on the line for the greater good, I think they deserve better than this."
(NS/KMcA)
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