Release Of Interim Report ‘Vital’

Aviation law experts at Irwin Mitchell have called for patience as authorities in Ireland investigating the plane crash at Cork Airport work to provide answers regarding the incident.

Six people were killed and six others left seriously injured after a Fairchild Metroliner twin engine turbo prop aircraft operated by Manx2 came down while trying to land at its third time of asking on February 10th.

Within a week of the accident there were media reports covering demands made to Manx2 in relation to compensation. Manx2 have reportedly been contacted regarding liability and insurance in relation to the crash, with the firm’s legal team suggesting the issue is the responsibility of Spain-based carrier Flightline BCN.

Now, specialists in the Irwin Mitchell Aviation Law Team are calling for such disputes to be put to one side until official answers are put forward, and for the families of those tragically killed and the survivors to have the necessary space to grieve without facing such concerns at this point.

Jose Maria de Lorenzo, a partner in Irwin Mitchell’s Spanish office in Madrid said: “The Spanish operator, BCN, should have insurance in accordance with the European Air Operators Certificate, so it goes without saying that BCN and/ or Manx2 insurers will have a duty to compensate the families of those involved in this terrible incident.  However, any dispute over which insurer/ operator should pay is simply something that should not be of immediate concern”.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and aviation law partner based at Irwin Mitchell’s London office said: “It is just weeks since the crash and there are many questions that need to be answered. However, the key questions to be answered are what caused this accident so that flight safety can be improved.  Concerns over which insurer/ operator should pay out are completely secondary to the needs of the loved ones of those involved and the importance for authorities to be given time to draw conclusions on the crash.”

The Irish Air Accidents Investigations Unit (AAIU) is continuing in its examination of events leading up to the incident and Jim added that their expertise will come to the fore in the anticipated interim report into the case.

He explained: “My previous experience of working with this organisation has been nothing but positive. Most notably, they provided a prompt and comprehensive report on the Irish Helicopters accident in 2007, which involved a Eurocopter AS350 which crashed due to a fault with the starter generator causing complete loss of engine power. I clearly recall the able assistance of the AAIU during the investigation and when I represented the family of the passenger at the inquest in Ennis, Co. Clare.
 
“We have every confidence in their work and know that they will provide the vital insight into the causes of the accident.

“Ultimately, we are hopeful that any parties involved in this case can be patient and wait for such formal conclusions, from which lessons can hopefully be learnt that will prevent anyone else suffering in this terrible manner.”