Death pilot `blinded' by mist'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE PILOT of a helicopter which crashed killing a nine-year-old boy during a charity flight, could not see properly because the windscreen had misted up, an official inquiry was told yesterday.
Garry Malley, from Dundee, died instantly and four other children with special needs were injured, when the helicopter - arranged by the television celebrity Noel Edmonds' charity, Airborne, crashed in a field during an emergency landing.
Earlier this year the pilot, Robert Hobson, was cleared of negligence relating to the crash at Glamis Castle, Angus, in July last year, when he appeared before a Crown Court.
Yesterday an inquiry at Forfar Sheriff's Court, was told the pilot's visibility was hampered because the helicopter - a Bell Jet Ranger - misted up in wet and humid weather.
Another pilot, Paul Smith, told the inquiry that moments before the crash Mr Hobson told him on the radio he had visibility problems.
``He said he had a problem and he couldn't see through the windscreen,'' Mr Smith said. He said he had experienced problems with that make of helicopter. ``I have flown all different types and all seem to have a very inadequate de-mister,'' he said.
``When conditions are like those in July last year, it just doesn't demist and it can get suddenly worse in the air.''
Earlier the inquiry was told that in the run-up to the crash, there seemed to be confusion between the organisers and those responsible for the flying operation, Forth and Clyde Helicopters, based at Edinburgh Airport. An organiser for the Airborne charity, Sarah Joyce, admitted there seemed to be "confusion" surrounding boarding arrangements for children on the three helicopters operating that day. A list found in the Bell Jet Ranger that crashed contained details of passengers who should have been on another helicopter.
The inquiry continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments