The Government today (September 14) published a report on an investigation into a helicopter accident that happened on May 1, 2009.The accident involved a private flight by a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration B-LAT, of Hong Kong Rotor Company Limited operated by a pilot.As a result of the accident, the pilot, one passenger and one person working inside a parked coach suffered minor injuries. “After the accident, the Chief Inspector of Accidents ordered an inspector’s investigation into the accident in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448 sub.

leg. B).The objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident with a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of accidents in the future.It is not for apportioning blame or liability,” a government spokesman said. The investigation was conducted by a team of trained accident investigators in strict adherence to the international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.The investigation report analyses the circumstances of the accident, identifies the causes of the accident, and makes six safety recommendations, which have been implemented.Throughout the investigation, all concerned parties have been given ample opportunity to comment on the findings of the report.

The report is available for downloading from the website of the Civil Aviation Department (www.cad.gov.hk/english/reports.html). Copies of the report are also available for sale at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department in Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.