The father of a victim from the tragic 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre has died at the age of 96, with campaigners stating he passed away while still "fighting for answers" about the incident that claimed his son's life.
Decades-Long Quest for Truth
John Dockerty's son, Major Christopher Dockerty, was among the 29 individuals killed when RAF Chinook ZD576 crashed in dense fog during a flight from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Fort George near Inverness. The crash, which occurred over three decades ago, has remained a source of controversy and unresolved questions for the families affected.
Initially, the disaster was attributed to pilot error, but this conclusion was officially overturned in 2011 following extensive reviews and public pressure. Despite this reversal, many relatives, including John Dockerty, continued to seek further clarity and accountability from authorities.
A Campaigner's Legacy
According to the Chinook Justice Campaign, John Dockerty is believed to have been the last surviving parent of anyone who perished in the crash. His daughter, Nicola Rawcliffe, who is also a member of the campaign group, expressed profound sorrow and frustration over her father's passing.
"My father spent the last 32 years wondering why his eldest son and my brother Chris died. He died still fighting for answers," Ms Rawcliffe stated. "He campaigned with dignity and determination, but it is heartbreaking that he has died without the government and MoD acknowledging the truth about the circumstances surrounding the crash."
She added that her father had told her he was "disgusted" that the issue had been allowed to "fester" for so long without a thorough governmental investigation. "Shame on the MoD for letting yet another relative die without answers," she remarked.
Ongoing Government Engagement
In recent months, there has been some movement in addressing the families' concerns. Ministers met with campaigners in December 2025, and a further meeting with victims minister Alex Davies-Jones is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 March 2026. These discussions aim to provide more insights into the crash and address the lingering questions that have haunted relatives for years.
Ms Rawcliffe, who resides in Diss, Norfolk, highlighted the emotional toll on her family. "We are devastated by the loss of my father and horrified that he never saw justice for Chris," she said. "It is bad enough that a parent has to bury their child, but a parent having to ask the State as to why they died adds insult to injury."
Personal Advocacy and Uncovered Evidence
John Dockerty had been an active supporter of the Chinook Justice Campaign, even releasing videos to bolster their efforts. His daughter revealed that she had uncovered letters he had written, in which he explicitly stated his disbelief that the pilots were to blame for the crash. This personal advocacy underscores the deep-seated need for closure among the victims' families.
In response to the ongoing campaign, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence reiterated that the accident has been extensively examined. "The accident has already been the subject of six inquiries and investigations, including an independent judge-led review," the spokesman said, suggesting that official avenues have been exhausted, though campaigners argue otherwise.
The death of John Dockerty marks a poignant moment in the long-standing quest for answers about the Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash, highlighting the enduring pain and unresolved issues faced by those left behind.
