News
Inquest Verdict in relation to the mid-air collision at Porthcawl, Wales.
17 January 2011
Paul Kilcoyne acted for the families of two air cadets who were killed in a mid-air collision over the Kenfig Nature Reserve near Porthcawl. Cousins, Katie -Jo Davies aged 14 and Nikkita Walters aged 13 were killed on their first ever flight as air cadets. Both pilots were also killed. The cadets were passengers in two Grob Tutor aircraft which took off from MOD St Athan on 11th February 2009. The flight paths of both aircraft converged over the Kenfig Nature Reserve close to the M4 motorway. At the time of the collision both planes were flying in uncontrolled airspace with neither pilot being aware of the other's position.
At the request of the girl's families the Inquest was conducted in compliance of Article 2 ECHR.
Following the tragic accident the RAF carried out a safety review introducing "de-confliction" measures at the 12 RAF bases that conduct cadet fights. At MOD St Athan this included a "time delay" of 10 minutes between take-offs, flight zones and designated altitudes.
It was also confirmed at the Inquest that all Grob Tutor aircraft will be fitted with Collision Warning Systems. All RAF Pilots are currently trained on the Tutor aircraft.
Tragically it was disclosed at the Inquest that the RAF had itself requested the fitting of collision warning systems as long ago as 2004. Group Captain Lee confirmed when questioned that no action at all was taken by the MOD following the RAF request. He also confirmed that no formal Risk Assessments in relation to the cadet flights were carried out until after the collision. Bi-annual Risk assessments are now performed.
It was also established that the Tutor aircraft lacked conspicuity due to it's size and white colour scheme. Further there were a number of design features in the aircraft that could have restricted each pilot's view including the canopy arch and handle, the spine of the aircraft and the lack of any "go-forward" mechanism on the seat arch.
Air cadet safety training, and in particular instruction in ejection techniques, has been enhanced.
Mr Maddox, HM Coroner for Powys, delivered a Narrative Verdict on 13th January. He confirmed that it was unlikely that this tragic accident would have occurred if the safety measures had been brought in earlier.
For full story go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-12182535