An inquest into the 2018 helicopter crash that killed five people, including Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has concluded that the crash was an accident caused by a series of mechanical failures.
A helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five people at Leicester City's King Power Stadium in 2018 has been ruled an accident by a coroner's jury. The inquest, held at Leicester City Hall, concluded that the helicopter involved, carrying Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, fellow passengers Kaveporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai, as well as pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz, was airworthy and properly maintained.
The jury heard extensive evidence from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which concluded that the crash was 'inevitable' following a series of mechanical failures. The AAIB ruled out drone involvement and pilot error, stating that a failure of the tail rotor led to the pilot losing control of the aircraft. Witness testimonies described the helicopter taking off normally after a football match before suddenly spinning out of control. The impact caused fuel tanks to rupture, leading to a fire. The coroner acknowledged the immense loss felt by the families of the victims and the Leicester community. She also commended the bravery and selflessness of those who responded to the crash. The jury's conclusion stated that pilot Eric Swaffer had taken all appropriate actions to regain control of the helicopter, but the mechanical failure made a safe outcome impossible. The coroner emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, noting that there was no established procedure for the pilot to follow in the event of a tail rotor loss. In their statement, the family of the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha expressed gratitude for the inquest and acknowledged the outpouring of support from the Leicester community. They described him as a caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose loss is deeply felt. The family spokesperson also mentioned the ongoing support from Leicester City fans and the club's dedication to remembering the victims
HELICOPTER CRASH LEICESTER CITY VICHAI SRIVADDHANAPRABHA INQUEST AIR ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATION BRANCH MECHANICAL FAILURES KING POWER STADIUM
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