The damning criticism by an English Coroner at an inquest into a Puma helicopter crash two years ago vindicates wide ranging concerns about British military helicopter operations voiced by the Celtic League and others over several years.

Yorkshire Coroner Geoff Fell said the administration "left much to be desired", adding: "Against a background of deteriorating administration, airmanship and discipline, the helicopter crashed."

He was scathing is his criticism of RAF Benson which is the main base from which Puma helicopters operate on exercises across the Celtic countries and also on deployment to Northern Ireland.

It is clear from voice recorder evidence played at the inquest that the aircrew deliberately flew at low altitude and seemed to delight in causing distress and nuisance to the public.

The inquest was told that a taxi driver stopped in the road as the helicopter flew low overhead.

Mr Fell said: "He stopped the car. He was eyeballing the pilot and described the helicopter 5ft above his car."

Meanwhile on the voice recorder at this time one of the aircrew is heard to say "let's scare the shit out of this taxi".

For many years residents of border areas in Northern Ireland alleged that helicopters were flown dangerously and recklessly with the aircrew appearing to take delight in over-flying vehicles and isolated farmsteads at zero altitude. The Yorkshire incident substantiates these complaints.

In addition in exercise areas of Wales and Scotland low flying helicopters appeared to have been flown in a reckless manner which caused death and distress to livestock. A number of horse riders have also died in helicopter related incidents (including one in Yorkshire some years ago when a Coroner voiced similar criticisms to those aired yesterday)

After yesterdays inquest the RAF and MOD said lessons had been learned but as is always the case `lessons' are only learned after unnecessary destruction and deaths.

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

27/10/09

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