Leicester City helicopter crash inquiry begins
A long-awaited inquiry has been launched into the crash of a Leonardo AW169 helicopter at Leicester City Football Club on October 27, 2018. The accident claimed the lives of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Chairperson of King Power Group and Leicester City FC, along with two pilots and two others.
The inquiry, led by Professor Catherine Mason at Leicester Town Hall, opened yesterday, January 13 and is set to run until January 31.
The UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that the crash resulted from critical failures in the helicopter’s dual bearings and tail rotor control system—components Leonardo S.p.A., the Italian manufacturer, had identified as essential for safe operation.
The malfunction caused the helicopter to spin uncontrollably before crashing and igniting a fire. Investigators emphasised that the pilot could not have prevented the accident.
The inquiry will hear from families of the deceased, witnesses, emergency responders, and AAIB officials. Testimonies will address the crash’s cause, the manufacturer’s response, and regulatory compliance. Victims’ families hope the inquiry will shed light on unanswered questions and lead to recommendations that prevent future tragedies, reported The Nation.
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Vichai’s son, said, “My family has faith in this inquiry process and hopes it will provide clarity about the cause of my father’s death. We want to ensure such an event never happens again.”
Kate Lechowicz, sister of Captain Isabella Lechowicz, added, “The wait has been painful. We hope this inquiry results in meaningful changes to aviation safety.”
Representing the families, Sarah Stewart of Stewarts Law said, “This inquiry is a crucial step toward justice and truth. Important lessons must be learned to improve aviation safety.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Tragic crash report unveils devastating loss of Leicester City’s beloved Thai chairman and crew (video)
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) finally concluded its report on the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the life of Leicester City‘s Thai chairman almost five years ago.
The report, released by the AAIB last night, sheds light on the devastating incident that occurred near the King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018, resulting in the untimely deaths of Leicester City’s Thai chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, along with two of his staff members, Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, as well as the pilots and their partners, Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz.
The report’s findings were unequivocal, stating that the crash was deemed “inevitable” due to a series of mechanical failures originating from a seized tail rotor bearing, ultimately leading to the tragic event. The report also highlighted the limited actions the pilot could take to save those on board.
Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents at the AAIB, acknowledged the valiant efforts of the 53 year old pilot, Swaffer, in attempting to control the Leonardo AW169 helicopter. However, the catastrophic failure of the tail rotor bearing caused the aircraft to make a sharp right turn.
In voice recordings from the aircraft, Swaffer could be heard expressing his confusion, saying, “I’ve no idea what’s going on,” shortly before the helicopter collided with a concrete step.
Although four of the passengers initially survived the impact of the crash, a “significant” fuel leak resulted in a fatal fire.
Four first responders suffered injuries due to the intense heat of the fire while attempting to rescue those inside the helicopter. Additionally, two police officers, arriving at the scene only one minute after the crash, made a valiant but unsuccessful attempt to break the helicopter’s windscreen using their batons.
The comprehensive 209-page final report took nearly five years to complete, given the technical complexities involved in the investigation.
The probe unveiled that a worn bearing on the tail rotor had seized after the helicopter’s takeoff. Subsequently, the shaft controlling the tail rotor unscrewed and detached, causing the helicopter to spiral out of control.
Importantly, the report affirmed that the helicopter had complied with all relevant airworthiness requirements and had been maintained correctly prior to the crash.
The wear on the rotor bearing was deemed to have accumulated gradually and could not have been foreseen by inspectors.
In response to its findings, the AAIB has issued eight safety recommendations to the European Aviation Safety Agency to rectify deficiencies in regulations about the certification of large helicopters.
The tragic crash occurred just over an hour after a Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes both in the UK and abroad. Leicester’s players even made a heartfelt journey to Thailand to attend Vichai’s funeral.
In 2022, a statue of Vichai was unveiled at the club, with his son, Khun Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha, assuming his father’s role as chairman.
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