The Service Inquiry report, published on 15th Dec 2016, cites the following as one of the main causes of the Puma accident in Afghanistan on 11th Oct 2015.
The Panel assessed that a loss of situation awareness was caused by the discussion regarding ground features and resulted in the loss of visual contact with the formation leader. Subsequently, and in attempting to regain sight of the lead aircraft, there was a resultant reduction in awareness regarding the PTDS.
Loss of situation awareness was, according to the Coroner, one of the main causes of the loss of Lynx helicopter a year earlier. Puma and Lynx helicopters were not fitted with collision warning systems at the time of their respective accidents. In both cases pilots were on visual look out for the other aircraft they were flying with. Collision was the top risk according to the Duty Holder, Major General Felton, but still he signed off to say the risk was tolerable and ALARP. He needs to justify this at the inquest.
'The safety statement in effect in May 2015 was that made at the 4th Puma 2 Puma Air System Safety Working Group on 4 February 2015, i.e. “Having reviewed the Equipment Safety Case, Hazard Log, Release to Service, Statement of Operating Intent and Usage, Air Safety Risk Registers and all governance issues, as Operating Duty Holder, I am content that all the Risks to Life on the Puma HC Mk2 are at least Tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practicable' .
Also, Puma was not fitted with 'cable cutting' equipment at the time. Wire strike was another high risk according to the Duty Holder, but signed off as tolerable and ALARP.
DV