This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7772125.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Dead Chinook pilots not cleared | Dead Chinook pilots not cleared |
(about 16 hours later) | |
The BBC understands that two RAF pilots will not be cleared of blame for the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre. | The BBC understands that two RAF pilots will not be cleared of blame for the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre. |
Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook, who died along with 27 others, were found guilty of gross negligence by two RAF air marshals. | |
Defence Secretary John Hutton has decided that no new evidence has been uncovered after a review of the case. | Defence Secretary John Hutton has decided that no new evidence has been uncovered after a review of the case. |
He told campaigners the findings against the pilots will stand. | |
BBC Westminster reporter Tim Reid said campaigners would be disappointed by his decision. | BBC Westminster reporter Tim Reid said campaigners would be disappointed by his decision. |
The helicopter crash happened in thick fog en route from Northern Ireland to Inverness. | The helicopter crash happened in thick fog en route from Northern Ireland to Inverness. |
Mr Tapper and Mr Cook were initially cleared of blame. | Mr Tapper and Mr Cook were initially cleared of blame. |
But the decision was overturned two years after a fatal accident inquiry by two senior RAF officers, who claimed they had been flying too fast and too low in thick fog. | But the decision was overturned two years after a fatal accident inquiry by two senior RAF officers, who claimed they had been flying too fast and too low in thick fog. |
However, campaigners have always disputed the claim, insisting it was unfair and unfounded. | However, campaigners have always disputed the claim, insisting it was unfair and unfounded. |
They had persuaded the former Defence Secretary Des Browne to review the case a year ago, handing over a dossier which they claimed would clear the pilots, and had then urged Mr Hutton to take up the case. | They had persuaded the former Defence Secretary Des Browne to review the case a year ago, handing over a dossier which they claimed would clear the pilots, and had then urged Mr Hutton to take up the case. |
Among those killed were special forces crew and 25 senior members of Northern Ireland's intelligence community. | Among those killed were special forces crew and 25 senior members of Northern Ireland's intelligence community. |
Campaigners have previously claimed there were serious flaws in the Chinook helicopter that were more likely to have been responsible for the crash. | Campaigners have previously claimed there were serious flaws in the Chinook helicopter that were more likely to have been responsible for the crash. |
Previous version
1
Next version