Tragic crash report unveils devastating loss of Leicester City’s beloved Thai chairman and crew

[webfact]

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) finally concluded its report on the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the life of Leicester City‘s Thai chairman almost five years ago.

 

The report, released by the AAIB last night, sheds light on the devastating incident that occurred near the King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018, resulting in the untimely deaths of Leicester City’s Thai chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, along with two of his staff members, Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, as well as the pilots and their partners, Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz.

The report’s findings were unequivocal, stating that the crash was deemed “inevitable” due to a series of mechanical failures originating from a seized tail rotor bearing, ultimately leading to the tragic event. The report also highlighted the limited actions the pilot could take to save those on board.

Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents at the AAIB, acknowledged the valiant efforts of the 53 year old pilot, Swaffer, in attempting to control the Leonardo AW169 helicopter. However, the catastrophic failure of the tail rotor bearing caused the aircraft to make a sharp right turn.

 

by Bob Scott

TOP: The Leonardo AW169 helicopter reached an altitude of approximately 430ft before plummeting to the ground. Picture courtesy of pixel8000.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tragic-crash-report-unveils-devastating-loss-of-leicester-citys-beloved-thai-chairman-and-crew-video

 

-- The Thaiger 2023-09-06

 

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[thaiowl]

Here's the 224 page report:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64f73d429ee0f2000fb7bf1f/AAR_1-2023_G-VSKP_Final_Vol_1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2KO9HTKe2Qfp864PKfvZ2L0KmgYapipjkBfu0_xljSVEi2kl8hJmo3_ks

[kickstart]

This was on the BBC yesterday, taken 5 years to publish, verdict was due to a series of mechanical failures, maybe I have been living here too long, but that sounds like lack of servicing, like a lot of Thai forms of transport, i.e. brake failure. 

[natway09]

A worn tail rotor bearing, (good chance it was dry as well) but all maintenance up to date ?

Something does not add up

[Enoon]

 

I don't have any problem understanding the reasons for the accident and accepting the findings and conclusions of the report.

 

Issues have been identified and appropriate directives published.

 

The manufacturer has modified the failed component.

 

"That's all folks"

 

 

Edited September 6, 2023 by Enoon

[NanLaew]

5 hours ago, kickstart said:

This was on the BBC yesterday, taken 5 years to publish, verdict was due to a series of mechanical failures, maybe I have been living here too long, but that sounds like lack of servicing, like a lot of Thai forms of transport, i.e. brake failure. 

AAIB investigations are typically very thorough affairs. And this unfortunate crash was in England. Considering where you claim to have been living for a long time, you must be gutted.

 

3 hours ago, natway09 said:

A worn tail rotor bearing, (good chance it was dry as well) but all maintenance up to date ?

Something does not add up

You don't know squat about helicopters either. Sorry for your disappointment.

 

9 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

I don't have any problem with understanding and accepting the conclusions of the report.

 

"That's all folks"

 

 

Agreed, case closed along with all the tenuous attempts to bash Thailand and all things Thai.

[Bangkok Barry]

21 hours ago, kickstart said:

This was on the BBC yesterday, taken 5 years to publish, verdict was due to a series of mechanical failures, maybe I have been living here too long, but that sounds like lack of servicing, like a lot of Thai forms of transport, i.e. brake failure. 

I guess you didn't read the link:

Importantly, the report affirmed that the helicopter had complied with all relevant airworthiness requirements and had been maintained correctly prior to the crash.

The wear on the rotor bearing was deemed to have accumulated gradually and could not have been foreseen by inspectors.

[Bangkok Barry]

19 hours ago, natway09 said:

A worn tail rotor bearing, (good chance it was dry as well) but all maintenance up to date ?

Something does not add up

Did you read the link:

Importantly, the report affirmed that the helicopter had complied with all relevant airworthiness requirements and had been maintained correctly prior to the crash.

The wear on the rotor bearing was deemed to have accumulated gradually and could not have been foreseen by inspectors.