NTSB reports where human factors are potentially relevant tend to discuss the pilot[s]' activity in the days before the flight: Did they sleep well ? Did they appear to be in a normal emotional state ? Could they have been fatigued by off-duty activities ?
Perhaps the answers are yes,yes, and no - but these are relevant factors, and it would be helpful for the AAIB to report on them in a little more detail.
Originally Posted by AAIB
1.
The pilot was properly licensed and qualified to conduct the flight, and was well rested.
How did other Police Observers regard the pilot ? - They have some role in CRM. What was the authority gradient ?
How did other pilots regard the pilot ? [recent experience, not on Chinook]
What was the motivation for the detour to Bargeddie ? Was it planned / considered in flight planning ? Was it authorised ? What was the significance of the target ? What was the authority gradient ?
I find it unfortunate that the report doesn't seem to comment on Police responses - or lack thereof - to such questions.
Originally Posted by AAIB
On completion, the helicopter appeared to route back towards GCH [Glasgow City Heliport] but, after nearly a minute, it turned from a west-south-westerly track onto a north-easterly track, towards Bargeddie. Once more, no radio transmissions were received from the crew and, without a cockpit voice recording, it is not possible to know what conversations and discussions took place between the crew members, to explain why the task at Bargeddie was undertaken, with the low fuel warnings having been active for at least eight minutes
Without the
Bargeddie detour, the aircraft might have made it back to base, even on remaining supply tank fuel, and would perhaps have landed with total remaining fuel exceeding night/IFR reserve - though in a dangerous state..