BOI Inquiry from 1969

[Junglynx]

Chaps,

Was speaking to the daughter of a Brigadier Allott who died in a helicopter crash on 14th May 1969.

I was wondering if anyone could give me a steer in the right direction for what I believe would be an AAC report, I will be trying the Museum of Army Flying as well.

She has absolutely no idea of any of the details, only that they had to move out of their MQ in the space of a few weeks. Thought it might be nice to be able to provide her with any information I could should she want it.

Thanks in advance.

[hval]

Junglynx,

I have made a quick internet search and have come across the following ITN web page. There are a few words on the incident.

HERE (http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1969/05/14/T14056901/?s=*)

Also look Here (http://jiscmediahub.ac.uk/mediaContent/open/scripts/1969/19690514_EE_02_ITV.pdf). Go to the second page.

Hopefully it is new information and I have not wasted your time.

[lj101]

J

This one?

XR640 14 May 1969: While serving with 6 Flt, the aircraft[24] was involved in a mid-air collision during take-off at Chattendon Barracks, Rochester, Kent. The pilot of the Scout, and the two occupants of the Sioux, XT802 of 3 RTR Air Sqn, were killed. L/Cpl Sindall and Spr Pedley Royal Engineers were awarded the BEM for gallantry in attempting to rescue the occupants.[25]

[lj101]

UK Military Aircraft Losses (http://www.ukserials.com/losses-1969.htm)

The first source was from wiki

[hval]

Information from Aviation Safety Network HERE (http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=139306)

Date: 14-MAY-1969
Time: 09:26
Type: Westland Scout AH.1
Operator: 6 Flight, Army Air Corps
Registration: XR640
C/n / msn: F9540
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 2
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: Chattendon Barracks, Rochester, Kent - United Kingdom
Phase: Take off
Nature: Military
Departure airport: Chattendon Barracks, Rochester, Kent
Destination airport:
Narrative:
The Scout initiated a towering climb take off from a sports field at Chattendon Barracks, Rochester, Kent for a display without checking above or behind him. It collided with Sioux AH.1 XT802 which was on approach to the field. Both aircraft crashed and caught fire. The pilot of the Scout and pilot and passenger of the Sioux were killed

Lance Corporal Malcolm Charles SINDALL, Corps of Royal Engineers, Sapper Geoffrey Andrew Cross PEDLEY, Corps of Royal Engineers were awarded the British Empire Medal for Gallantry (Military Division) for their efforts in rescuing the crews of both aircraft.

[hval]

From the London Gazette HERE (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/44949/supplements/10212), right hand column about half way down, article on one of the rescuers.

[hval]

HERE (http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1969/may/14/army-helicopters-collision) is a link to Hansard on the day of the incident. Shown below

ARMY HELICOPTERS (COLLISION)

HC Deb 14 May 1969 vol 783 cc1410-1 1410
§Mr. Murray (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the helicopter collision at Chattenden Barracks this morning.

§The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey) The accident referred to occurred this morning at Chattenden Barracks, Kent, between two Army helicopters. I regret to say that the two pilots and the passenger in one of the helicopters were killed.
An immediate inquiry will be held.

§Mr. Murray I am sure that my right hon. Friend would want to pass on the sympathy of the House to the relatives and colleagues of those killed in Army 1411 service, which, even in peacetime, is still very dangerous.
Would my right hon. Friend say whether the findings of the inquiry are to be made public? Will he further say whether he considers that the safety instructions regarding the use of helicopters, particularly over built-up areas, are adequate?

§Mr. Healey I am sure that the House would agree with my hon. Friend in wishing to express our sympathy to the next-of-kin of those concerned.
As to publishing the results of the board of inquiry, I would like to consider that matter. If it seems to be in the public interest to do so, I will certainly do so.

On the questtion of the safety regulations governing the use of helicopters, I have no reason to believe that they were not observed on this occasion. This is one of the matters which the board of inquiry will be investigating.

[hval]

Junglynx,

Another lynx ( :E ) for you here (http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/helicopter-crash-drama-1.689143?referrerPath=home/news_star_search_results_page_2_1962) from a newspaper. It is about one of the guys who was at the scene of the accident, Sapper Geoffrey Andrew Cross Pedley. There is a photograph of him as well.

If I am sending too much information, or what you consider irrelevant information then please let me know.

[Junglynx]

Thanks Hval, great info. I'll be sure to pass it on.