Electricjohn, unless I misunderstand, the radar height reports will be from transponder returns from a big radar at Glasgow airport that sweeps every ten seconds or so. Recording a long string of 1000ft signals from the accident aircraft, followed by one from 400ft and then nothing would seem to be quite consistent with a sudden plummet in about 20s, where the 400ft signal just happens to come from the helicopter being caught mid crash in that single sweep.
Tandemrotor, while all the parties involved have their interests, including the victims' rather vocal lawyers, I would not expect the AAIB to be swayed in their statements based on various lawyers' views, would you?
Ultimately, justice will be handled after the final report is out, in a different forum; and as you suggest, those with the deepest pockets are most likely to get their views heard most clearly. However, in terms of causes and events, would you agree that we can trust the AAIB's statements to be neutral and unredacted?