On the issue of recorded on-board data, if the FLIR camera was turned on would it contain a recording of the crew's conversation for the duration of the period when the camera is on?
From my understanding of these police FLIR cameras, they record radio transmissions from the ground to air and vice versa and there isn't a facility to turn off the intercom system so that the air crew can converse in privacy. I'm not sure if "record" has to be selected for the FLIR camera to save all data (picture and sound) onto the video recording system. If it was recording, it could prove extremely useful in the investigation into this tragedy.
Police officers and helicopter pilots both carry out jobs that are regarded by the man in the street as being "out of the ordinary". Both get a view of the world that few get to see and both careers can be very interesting and rewarding. Unfortunately, both must also go to work each day knowing that if luck isn't with them they might not make it home that night. Sadly, that day has come for the crew of this helicopter and also for those on the ground.
500 Fan.