Investigation Begins Into Air Accident

An investigation has begun after three men suffered injuries when a helicopter crashed at the Churchfields Industrial Estate in Salisbury this morning (January 10th).

Reports have revealed the aircraft came down close to woodland in the area this morning and apparently hit a tree as it descended. The cause of the crash has not yet been identified.

Great Western Ambulance Service has confirmed that all three people on board were taken to hospital following the incident, with two being treated at Southampton General Hospital and the other taken to Salisbury District Hospital.

According to a spokeswoman, the men were suffering from a range of injuries including back pain and potential head and leg injuries.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist aviation law team acts for those injured in air accidents in the UK and abroad, as well as the families of people killed in such incidents.  It has significant experience in acting for the victims of helicopter crashes, which have included Gazelle and other Eurocopter accidents. 

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and partner in the team commenting on the Salisbury crash, said: “While only a handful of details are so far known about this incident, it is vital that police and aviation authorities work quickly to determine how and why this aircraft came down.

“Numerous lines of enquiry will need to be considered, including whether any technical or mechanical issues could have contributed to the helicopter’s crash or if weather conditions may have played a part at all. The former is of particular interest, as any faults could have a significant bearing on helicopter safety in general.

“The number of helicopter accidents in the UK and abroad in 2011 was concerning and it is to be hoped that 2012 will be a better year for helicopter flight safety.  Ultimately, it is fundamental that answers are provided over how this happened and what steps can be taken to avoid similar incidents in the future.