Use Of Flight Data And Cockpit Voice Recording Equipment On Passenger Flights ‘Should Be Standard’

Lawyers representing victims and families who have lost loved ones in plane and helicopter crashes across the globe have said the latest findings related to The Clutha crash in Glasgow demonstrate the need for Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) equipment to be fitted to helicopters used for passenger flights.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch’s (AAIB’s) initial findings in relation to the November 29th crash in which nine people died found no evidence of major engine or gearbox failures on the Police Scotland helicopter involved, despite the fact that its main and tail rotors did not appear to be rotating when it impacted with the pub roof.

In addition, the preliminary report also revealed the aircraft had around 95 litres of fuel on board. The AAIB added that “detailed examination of the helicopter continues”.

The release of the findings have been welcomed by Irwin Mitchell's Aviation Law team, which represents victims of helicopter crashes across the globe including the two recent  Eurocopter crashes off the coast of Shetland in August this year and into the North Sea in October of last year.