Leicester City Helicopter Crash Inquest Delayed Due to Covid Pandemic
The inquest into the Leicester City helicopter crash was postponed due to the pandemic, causing delays in the investigation and report.
Leicester, UK, Helicopter Crash, Khun Vichai, Investigation
Leicester: The inquest into the tragic helicopter crash near the King Power Stadium has faced delays, mainly because of the Covid pandemic. This incident claimed the life of Leicester City owner Khun Vichai and four others.
Mark Jarvis, a principal investigator, shared that this was the longest investigation he had ever worked on. He mentioned that travel restrictions and lockdowns in 2020 really slowed things down.
During the inquest, Jarvis explained how the pandemic affected their work. They had trouble getting parts shipped and faced staff shortages across Europe. It was a tough situation.
Despite the delays, Jarvis praised the thoroughness of the investigation. He noted that new information from Italian counterparts led to further inquiries, which was crucial for understanding what happened.
Phillip Shepherd, representing Khun Vichai’s family, expressed concern over the lengthy process. He said it left the family in limbo while they waited for answers.
Matteo Ragazzi, from the helicopter manufacturer Leonardo, also testified. He explained the immediate steps they took after the crash in 2018 to ensure safety and prevent future tragedies.
Ragazzi mentioned that they worked closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to address any risks. They issued service bulletins and made changes to the helicopter’s design to enhance safety.
After the crash, they implemented monitoring procedures and changed materials used in the helicopter’s components to improve reliability. They wanted to ensure that nothing like this would happen again.
Jarvis also revealed that the final report, published in September 2023, included eight safety recommendations aimed at the EASA. He emphasized that while there were no design issues with Leonardo, there was room for improvement in safety regulations.
In the end, the investigation highlighted the need for better safety standards in helicopter manufacturing. It’s a reminder of how important it is to learn from such tragedies.