Expert Calls For Answers Over Incident Near Bude

Police and air accident experts are investigating after a pilot was killed in a helicopter crash in Cornwall yesterday afternoon (July 24th).

Reports have revealed that the privately-owned Robinson R-44 caught fire after coming down near Bude, while it is thought the pilot was a man in his forties from Bristol. It has not yet been determined whether anyone else was on board.

Western Power was asked to cut power supplies close to the scene of the crash while emergency services worked on the site, although the helicopter is not thought to have hit any lines.

One eyewitness who lives close to the scene of the crash suggested that the helicopter was making “strange noises” as it flew overhead.

Irwin Mitchell’s aviation law team acts for many families who have lost loved ones in helicopter and other aviation accidents.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and Partner in the team, said: “Like many of the cases we act in, this incident raises serious concerns and also a number of questions which need to be answered. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (a specialist team within the Department for Transport) will investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine the probable cause or causes.

“On the basis of the limited information which is currently available, perhaps the most notable issue is the suggestion that the aircraft was making ‘strange’ noises beforehand, as this may be a sign that the cause of the incident is related to a mechanical problem with the helicopter’s control systems.

“It is vital that such concerns are carefully and thoroughly considered as this may have a wider impact on general flight safety and the specific model of helicopter.

“We would hope that lessons can be learnt from this tragic case which will ensure that every possible step is taken to prevent similar crashes in the future. Meanwhile, our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased at what must clearly be a very difficult time.”