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Old 17th Sep 2010, 09:32
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c130jbloke
 
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I was on 230 Sqn at the time and it was one of our Cabs involved in the accident.

IIRC, the crewman opened the Stbd door at 200' on the approach to the "T" iaw night SOPs then went to do the port door. On turning back to get into the stbd door again, he had the chilling sight of an empty seat where previously said Maj had been sitting. At this point, another grunt was getting ready to go out the door but was grabbed and dumped back into his seat. Thankfully, the ac had a nitesun fitted as it was the only way they found him, but he was declared DOA at the hospital.

Que, police investigation with them being informed that manslaughter charges were on the cards if they were found to have been neglegent

Again, IIRC the BOI found that a difference between Army / RAF SOPs regarding when the troops deplane and actions post door opening ( the Army opened theirs on the ground + and on RAF SH you needed an executive command from the CM to egress - 2 different methods at the time) was a major factor in what was an operating hazards accident. Also the victim had indeed, been " itching" to get out and lead from the front. The crew were rightly not held to account as all 3 ( there were 2 pilots on this particular exercise) were flying again shortly after and were found to been totally correct in their actions. I do not recall much else and the above is based on 20 yo feedback - so do not attach any accuracy to it, sorry.

Last edited by c130jbloke; 17th Sep 2010 at 10:02.
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