UK – Instructor denies charge of false representing student skills in flight test | Helihub

HeliHub.com

15 May, 12

Iain King, of Wetherby, appeared at York Crown Court on Monday where he denied making false representations to procure a private pilot’s licence for Mr Spencer, who was flying the helicopter. (see press story).

This relates to the accident of Gazelle YU-HEW on 26 January 2008 which resulted in the fatal injuries of the pilot and his wife. The AAIB summary was "The pilot, who was experienced in fixed-wing aircraft but newly-qualified in helicopters, was undertaking a helicopter flight with a passenger, in gusty wind conditions. He was seen flying slowly, at a low level, near a chalet he owned in the grounds of an hotel when the aircraft was seen to spin around, before pitching up and falling to the ground, fatally injuring the two occupants. It is considered that the pilot lost control of the helicopter whilst flying at low forward airspeed in strong and gusty wind conditions. The investigation revealed inconsistencies, and probable deficiencies, in the training of the pilot and inconsistencies, and possible deficiencies, in his subsequent PPL(H) Skills Test. Deficiencies in the aircraft’s maintenance were also identified, although these are not considered causal or contributory to the accident. Five Safety Recommendations are made."

The full AAIB report can be seen here

Jeremy Parkin - HeliHub.com

Tags: AAIB, Eurocopter, Legal, SA341, Safety, Training, UK