I was in two minds whether to post, but since this tragic accident happened so close to the 10th anniversary of another which I feel shares some common features, on balance I felt it apposite. If anyone feels different then please ask me or a mod to delete or edit this post as appropriate. I make no apology if I come across as sentimental.
G-XCEL crashed in December 2003, killing 3 people. In this case and G-XCEL's, a helicopter with a pretty good safety record crashed suddenly, with no chance for the crew to get out a distress call. The pilots in both cases were experienced, professional and regarded by their peers as such. In G-XCEL's case a mechanical fault which those onboard could not have foreseen nor dealt with in the time and height available killed them.
My only hope is that - odd though it may seem - that in this case the same is found to be true.
Godspeed to the three killed in G-SPAO and the six killed on the ground last Friday, and remembering Ian, James and Gordon.
Last edited by The Nr Fairy; 4th Dec 2013 at 07:23.