The narrative verdict by the coroner is wrong, as it places most of the blame on the aircrew. On the balance of probability the evidence suggests that the crew were fixated on locating the other aircraft, not the football pitch.
Coroner Rules Afghan Helicopter Crash "Was An Avoidable Accident"
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. Wire strike was the second highest risk.
In March 2016, MoD confirmed that the installation of a Wire Strike Protection System and a CWS were in the process of being installed in the Puma Mk2 helicopter. But these facts to not appear to get mentioned at the inquest.
DV