Helicopter crash committee to visit Aberdeen
Ryan Taylor
Evidence over last year’s fatal helicopter crash which killed four offshore workers will be heard in Aberdeen.
The investigation launched by the Commons Transport Select Committee will hold an open evidence session at Aberdeen University next Monday.
The committee, chaired by Louise Ellman MP, will hear from industry representatives including operators and manufacturers.
Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin, Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness, Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland, and George Allison, 57, from Winchester, died when the Super Puma aircraft they were travelling in went down on approach to Sumburgh Airport on 23rd August.
It was the fifth serious offshore accident in the North Sea in the space of four years.
News that the committee would come to Aberdeen has been welcomed by Isles MSP Tavish Scott.
He said the committee had proved particularly effective in past years when Shetland’s coastguard station was under threat of closure.
“The Transport Select Committee are known for their attention to detail and their ability to get to the nub of an issue.
“They, for example, were very effective when the coastguard stations were threatened and produced a report which added considerably to the case for retaining, for example, the Shetland station.
“I hope they will bring the weight of their work to the fatal accident that happened at Sumburgh last August.”
Richard Kite
The idea of a committee to discuss the fatal helicopter crash is worthy but I have not been able to identify any person being on the committee who has worked offshore for a considerable number of years and is not occupying either a union or company (oil or otherwise) onshore position. The contribution of an articulate experienced non-partisan oil company or contracted person may well be useful in giving a view of flying frequently to offshore installations and being employed thereon.
As a former professional engineer who has managed offshore, I know that it is worthwhile taking opinions from a variety of sources, even if this results in adverse criticism.