Investigators are prioritising an examination of the tail rotor control system after the helicopter crash that killed Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) revealed that the AW169 helicopter turned right despite the pilot's left pedal command, suggesting a possible fault.
The preliminary report states that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 430ft before plummeting to the ground near the King Power Stadium on 27 October. Video footage appears to show sections of the tail rotor falling off mid-air, and the AAIB confirmed the tail rotor control system is being investigated as a priority.
The European Aviation Safety Agency has ordered safety checks on tail rotors of AW169 helicopters and similar models following the crash. The helicopter had made earlier trips from Surrey and London before landing at Leicester City's training ground and later the stadium.
The victims included Mr Srivaddhanaprabha, employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer, and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz. All five were killed instantly as the helicopter was rapidly engulfed in an intense post-impact fire.
