Helicopter down Lanarkshire 16.00 local
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Press Association
David Richards and David Coulthard have both paid tribute to their friend.
McRae and son killed in crash
Rally driver Colin McRae and two children - one his five-year-old son - died in the helicopter crash near his country home, police said.
Strathclyde Police said they now know the 39-year-old former world champion, his son Johnny, and two family friends died in the aircraft which burst into flames in Lanark, Scotland, on Saturday afternoon.
The other victims were named as six-year-old Ben Porcelli, of Lanark, and Graeme Duncan, 37, who lived in France.
Strathclyde Police initially said that the damage was so bad from the accident that they didn't know how many people were on board. A team of around 40 firefighters were at one point dealing with the fire.
Rally driver Colin McRae and two children - one his five-year-old son - died in the helicopter crash near his country home, police said.
Strathclyde Police said they now know the 39-year-old former world champion, his son Johnny, and two family friends died in the aircraft which burst into flames in Lanark, Scotland, on Saturday afternoon.
The other victims were named as six-year-old Ben Porcelli, of Lanark, and Graeme Duncan, 37, who lived in France.
Strathclyde Police initially said that the damage was so bad from the accident that they didn't know how many people were on board. A team of around 40 firefighters were at one point dealing with the fire.
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Around 1986 or '87 I remember Colin's dad Jimmy pulling up in his Sierra Cosworth at traffic lights between stages beside my dad's car and giving me a wave. As a child at the time I became a rallyhead and joined the bobble hat brigade, getting up early mornings each Easter weekend to see the Circuit of Ireland rally. Only a year or so later Colin was also coming across, I think maybe in a Nova but I have a slightly hazy memory of the car. Colin was just as friendly, signing any amount of autographs in the service parks while quickly gaining a reputation as being talented. I have followed rallying at national and WRC level avidly ever since and remember his '95 RAC win with fondness, the crowd at the finish at Chester Racecourse literally going wild!!!
Only 3 years ago, at the beginnings of my flying career I was charged with managing a hotel helipad near Dublin for a major horse racing event. On the final day amidst company 206's/109's and many corporate heli's a certain G-CBHL popped in without warning. After shutdown out climbed a very unassuming individual. I nearly dropped the radio when he turned round...... One of those moments that will stick with me forever, a true childhood hero walking over to shake my hand. "How's it goin' mate, 'names Colin" as if he needed an introduction. A brief chat about cars and helicopters, proper bloke stuff really, and off he went with his 2 friends, one of whom may have been Graeme but I can't remember, into the hotel for lunch before getting a lift with the hotel's 206 into the racecourse.
He actually came over to attend the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, which I was desperate to get to. I did think about being very cheeky and asking for a lift, he did have plenty of space. Should I? Would I? We'll never know. I did have to retrieve him from lunch briefly to make space on the pad for other aircraft, so he gave me a quick 2 minute spin in the AS350. Lovely machine, he came across as a very consciencious pilot. No fool. This sentiment was reflected in later comments by others who trained and flew with him. The first weekend of May this year I spent spectating at the 2007 Rally of the Lakes in Killarney, Ireland. Jimmy McRae was driving one of the 00 cars, a new Porsche 911 no less. I did wonder would Colin make another appearance as before to spectate given family involvement but there was no sign of him.
Colin will be a sad loss, sorely missed by so many. Sad also that he is not the first rally driver to be lost in the UK in an AS350. Multiple Irish Tarmac Rally Champion Bertie Fisher, who in the 80's competed against Jimmy and Colin and in the 90's younger brother Alistair, crashed in G-OROZ a few years ago. That day also saw the demise of Bertie's son Mark who was tipped to become Ireland's first WRC driver the following year. The reasons I will not speculate, the AAIB will perform their duties as always I'm sure.
Colin I am sure was an admirable and safe pilot, his nature in a car more aggressive, one particularly well known AS350/355 instructor in the south east claiming to have been terrified during a "quick spin" in a rally car with Colin. The famous quote "ya'v got ta drive the car like it's not yer own" aptly describes his style, but this was undoubtedly the key to Colin's success. It initially made him controversial in the early 90's with his exploits in the Rothman's Subaru Legacy's he drove. (He wrote a few off too....
)
Apologies to anyone who feels my post digresses or goes on too long or too far. I merely thought appropriate on this sad occasion to share my thoughts, sentiments and memories of a true hero. My interests in life are flying, rugby and rallying, the latter due in no small part to Colin. I had hoped to catch him again at some point, either through contacts in the helicopter world or those in the rally scene. Maybe he might have been spotted at the forthcoming inaugural WRC round in Ireland this November, I'll be there, bobble hat on head.... It will be a cracker of a rally, even better if Colin was participating but I think no WRC team is interested in part timers anymore, pity!
My heartfelt condolences to all families involved. In particular to the McRae's, if Jimmy or Alistair read this, please take some comfort in the fantastic memories so many will have thanks to Colin. The loss of a son, brother, and also grandson and nephew is a huge blow. But anyone that causes normally sane individuals to leave home at 3 on a Sunday morning and trek into forests (usually Kielder!!!!
) in rain, hail, snow and sub-zero mid-November temperatures has to be special and that he was. Having multiple computer games named after you is clear evidence.
The stages were Super-Specials,
Colin was Super fast, Super talented, Superstar!
Ladies and Gentlemen, COLIN MCRAE............... LEGEND!!!!!!!!
Only 3 years ago, at the beginnings of my flying career I was charged with managing a hotel helipad near Dublin for a major horse racing event. On the final day amidst company 206's/109's and many corporate heli's a certain G-CBHL popped in without warning. After shutdown out climbed a very unassuming individual. I nearly dropped the radio when he turned round...... One of those moments that will stick with me forever, a true childhood hero walking over to shake my hand. "How's it goin' mate, 'names Colin" as if he needed an introduction. A brief chat about cars and helicopters, proper bloke stuff really, and off he went with his 2 friends, one of whom may have been Graeme but I can't remember, into the hotel for lunch before getting a lift with the hotel's 206 into the racecourse.
He actually came over to attend the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, which I was desperate to get to. I did think about being very cheeky and asking for a lift, he did have plenty of space. Should I? Would I? We'll never know. I did have to retrieve him from lunch briefly to make space on the pad for other aircraft, so he gave me a quick 2 minute spin in the AS350. Lovely machine, he came across as a very consciencious pilot. No fool. This sentiment was reflected in later comments by others who trained and flew with him. The first weekend of May this year I spent spectating at the 2007 Rally of the Lakes in Killarney, Ireland. Jimmy McRae was driving one of the 00 cars, a new Porsche 911 no less. I did wonder would Colin make another appearance as before to spectate given family involvement but there was no sign of him.
Colin will be a sad loss, sorely missed by so many. Sad also that he is not the first rally driver to be lost in the UK in an AS350. Multiple Irish Tarmac Rally Champion Bertie Fisher, who in the 80's competed against Jimmy and Colin and in the 90's younger brother Alistair, crashed in G-OROZ a few years ago. That day also saw the demise of Bertie's son Mark who was tipped to become Ireland's first WRC driver the following year. The reasons I will not speculate, the AAIB will perform their duties as always I'm sure.
Colin I am sure was an admirable and safe pilot, his nature in a car more aggressive, one particularly well known AS350/355 instructor in the south east claiming to have been terrified during a "quick spin" in a rally car with Colin. The famous quote "ya'v got ta drive the car like it's not yer own" aptly describes his style, but this was undoubtedly the key to Colin's success. It initially made him controversial in the early 90's with his exploits in the Rothman's Subaru Legacy's he drove. (He wrote a few off too....
)Apologies to anyone who feels my post digresses or goes on too long or too far. I merely thought appropriate on this sad occasion to share my thoughts, sentiments and memories of a true hero. My interests in life are flying, rugby and rallying, the latter due in no small part to Colin. I had hoped to catch him again at some point, either through contacts in the helicopter world or those in the rally scene. Maybe he might have been spotted at the forthcoming inaugural WRC round in Ireland this November, I'll be there, bobble hat on head.... It will be a cracker of a rally, even better if Colin was participating but I think no WRC team is interested in part timers anymore, pity!
My heartfelt condolences to all families involved. In particular to the McRae's, if Jimmy or Alistair read this, please take some comfort in the fantastic memories so many will have thanks to Colin. The loss of a son, brother, and also grandson and nephew is a huge blow. But anyone that causes normally sane individuals to leave home at 3 on a Sunday morning and trek into forests (usually Kielder!!!!
) in rain, hail, snow and sub-zero mid-November temperatures has to be special and that he was. Having multiple computer games named after you is clear evidence. The stages were Super-Specials,
Colin was Super fast, Super talented, Superstar!
Ladies and Gentlemen, COLIN MCRAE............... LEGEND!!!!!!!!
Last edited by Hedski; 16th Sep 2007 at 14:00.
. As a competitor and rally nut myself , I'm gutted . He was my hero . Goodbye to a true legend 
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Great post Hedski, I never met `The Man`but feel gutted, especially for his family and friends, still can`t believe it.Thanks for sharing your memories, a true gentleman and an icon. RIP.
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Flat Spin
You do what you want to do - let others do what they want to do.
A high percentage of posts on the longest and most viewed 'tributes thread' in the history of PPRuNe were from people who didn't know the man personally, but he'd given pleasure to millions and some of them wished to say so.
Some said how much they'd miss that pleasure, and many expressed condolences to his family.
Link
We discovered later that his family did actually look at the thread, and found the contents and volume of tributes a comfort.
Heliport
You do what you want to do - let others do what they want to do.
A high percentage of posts on the longest and most viewed 'tributes thread' in the history of PPRuNe were from people who didn't know the man personally, but he'd given pleasure to millions and some of them wished to say so.
Some said how much they'd miss that pleasure, and many expressed condolences to his family.
Link
We discovered later that his family did actually look at the thread, and found the contents and volume of tributes a comfort.
Heliport
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Flat Spin, you Complete Tit, would you like us all to pop into his home to pay our respects !!!
colin was one of the best rally drivers in the world, he will be sadly missed,
may he and his passengers RIP.
colin was one of the best rally drivers in the world, he will be sadly missed,
may he and his passengers RIP.
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So sad, first Richard Burns and now Colin McRae, both people involved in a 'dangerous' sport who have lost their lives in a totally unconnected way.
One always likes to think that such people, if they don't live to a ripe old age, will always go out doing something that they love and enjoy. Commiserations to Colin's family and the families of the others involved.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Roger Clark also meet his end in an aviation incident? If so, let us hope that this is the end of the 'run of three'
One always likes to think that such people, if they don't live to a ripe old age, will always go out doing something that they love and enjoy. Commiserations to Colin's family and the families of the others involved.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Roger Clark also meet his end in an aviation incident? If so, let us hope that this is the end of the 'run of three'
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Website is very slow to respond, no doubt due high volumes of traffic, but now carries the following statements.
There is also a condolences page "for fans and friends of Colin and his family. Please use it respectfully and responsibly."
RC
There is also a condolences page "for fans and friends of Colin and his family. Please use it respectfully and responsibly."
Sunday 16th September 2007
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF COLIN McRAE’S FAMILY
Speaking on behalf of the whole family, Colin’s father, Jim McRae, said today:
“It is with much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.
It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny’s lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.
Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie. Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty.
Our thoughts are also very much with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan. Ben was a great buddy of Johnny’s and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school. Graeme, who now resides in France, had been a close friend of Colin’s since their schooldays and was back in Lanark on holiday.
We are thankful for the overwhelming number of messages of support we have received from all around the world. Colin was very much an inspiration and role model to motorsport fans the world over.
As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for the family and we would ask that our privacy be respected and we be allowed to grieve in private.”
Sunday 16th September 2007
HELICOPTER CRASH – JERVISWOOD, LANARK
Regarding yesterday’s helicopter crash at Jerviswood, Lanark, it has now been confirmed that there were four people, two adults and two young children on board.
Although a post mortem has still to take place, the four involved are believed to be:
Mr Colin McRae (39) of Jerviswood House and his son Johnny Gavin McRae, aged 5.
Ben Porcelli (6), of Cleghorn Road, Lanark, who had been over playing with Johnny, and family friend Graeme Duncan (37), of L’Ile Degaillot, Faycelles, France.
Chief Superintendent Tim Love, Divisional Commander, South Lanarkshire Division, said today:
“We believe that the group were just returning from a visit to the nearby village of Quarter around 1605 hours yesterday, when it appears that the helicopter got into difficulty and crashed within the grounds of Mr McRae’s family home.
“Our officers are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Team who are presently at the scene.
“Family Liaison Officers have been appointed and are with the families to help them through this distressing and difficult time.”
Please note that the families involved are not available for interview and media are asked to respect their privacy at this time.
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF COLIN McRAE’S FAMILY
Speaking on behalf of the whole family, Colin’s father, Jim McRae, said today:
“It is with much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.
It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny’s lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.
Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie. Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty.
Our thoughts are also very much with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan. Ben was a great buddy of Johnny’s and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school. Graeme, who now resides in France, had been a close friend of Colin’s since their schooldays and was back in Lanark on holiday.
We are thankful for the overwhelming number of messages of support we have received from all around the world. Colin was very much an inspiration and role model to motorsport fans the world over.
As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for the family and we would ask that our privacy be respected and we be allowed to grieve in private.”
Sunday 16th September 2007
HELICOPTER CRASH – JERVISWOOD, LANARK
Regarding yesterday’s helicopter crash at Jerviswood, Lanark, it has now been confirmed that there were four people, two adults and two young children on board.
Although a post mortem has still to take place, the four involved are believed to be:
Mr Colin McRae (39) of Jerviswood House and his son Johnny Gavin McRae, aged 5.
Ben Porcelli (6), of Cleghorn Road, Lanark, who had been over playing with Johnny, and family friend Graeme Duncan (37), of L’Ile Degaillot, Faycelles, France.
Chief Superintendent Tim Love, Divisional Commander, South Lanarkshire Division, said today:
“We believe that the group were just returning from a visit to the nearby village of Quarter around 1605 hours yesterday, when it appears that the helicopter got into difficulty and crashed within the grounds of Mr McRae’s family home.
“Our officers are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Team who are presently at the scene.
“Family Liaison Officers have been appointed and are with the families to help them through this distressing and difficult time.”
Please note that the families involved are not available for interview and media are asked to respect their privacy at this time.
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On21,
I was replying to Flyer Foto, who thought that Roger Clarke had also died in an aviation accident.which he didnt.
Sadly I knew Bertie,Mark,Richard and Colin well.
See ya Col.
I was replying to Flyer Foto, who thought that Roger Clarke had also died in an aviation accident.which he didnt.
Sadly I knew Bertie,Mark,Richard and Colin well.
See ya Col.
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Flat Spin - For your info Colin used to visit Rotorheads from time to time. I know that for a fact because we often discussed some of the things being spoken about here. How would he know if he didnt visit. ?
Also remember that his brother Alister is also a helicopter pilot and has/had a 500D/E. Cant remember which one it was that Colin told me so I wouldnt be surprised to see him stop in here.
Also remember that his brother Alister is also a helicopter pilot and has/had a 500D/E. Cant remember which one it was that Colin told me so I wouldnt be surprised to see him stop in here.
Its sad when anyone is killed in an aircraft, but I think its that little bit worse when its one of the few sporting personalities who's actually acheived something in their life.
I last saw Colin McRae at Goodwood this year (and nearly got brained by flying debris whilst trying to get a decent picture of him cornering!), top driver and always an entertaining performer. Always wanted to meet him, though I probably would have babbled like an idiot if I did!
I last saw Colin McRae at Goodwood this year (and nearly got brained by flying debris whilst trying to get a decent picture of him cornering!), top driver and always an entertaining performer. Always wanted to meet him, though I probably would have babbled like an idiot if I did!
A very very sad day indeed. I feel particularly sorry for the parents of the little lad who accompanied Colin's son. No one life is more important than another, but as a parent I was just thinking how i'd feel. RIP to you all.