2006 Morecambe Bay helicopter crash

The 2006 Morecambe Bay Helicopter Crash was a fatal air incident that occurred on 27 December 2006 at approximately 18:40 GMT [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6213141.stm BBC News] ] , whilst transporting replacement crew between the Millom and Morecambe gas platforms situated approximately 24 miles from the shoreline of Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, England.

Rescue efforts recovered the bodies of six men, including those of the two pilots. A seventh passenger is still recorded as missing [http://www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/news/news_detail?articleid=168285 RNLI news item] ] . The search for the missing man was called off on 24 January 2007. [http://www.morecambetoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=34&ArticleID=1989929 Search for last body called off] - Morecambe Today - Obtained 24 January 2007.]

The helicopter involved was a Eurocopter AS365N, registration "G-BLUN", owned by CHC. The aircraft was contracted by Centrica, the company who manage the gas platform to which the helicopter was travelling.

Initial rescue was undertaken by a volunteer team of the local Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescue service, operating out of nearby Lytham St Annes and was co-ordinated by HM Coastguard.

Investigation

An investigation is being undertaken by the Department for Transport's Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), with the preliminary report indicating no evidence of mechanical failure [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6311745.stm BBC NEWS | England | Lancashire | Air crash cause 'not mechanical' ] ]

The flight data recorder was recovered on 17 January 2007 after delays caused by severe weather, having been first located on 7 January. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6271587.stm BBC NEWS | England | Lancashire | Helicopter flight box recovered ] ] The storms also hampered efforts to find and recover those lost in the incident.

References

External links

* [http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/home/index.cfm Air Accident Investigations Branch]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6213141.stm BBC News]
* [http://www.centrica.com/ Centrica PLC]
* [http://www.rnli.org.uk/ Royal National Lifeboat Institute]
* [http://www.mcga.gov.uk/ HM Coastguard]