13/12/2011

Fatal Air Corps Crash Report 'Grounded'

A fatal Galway Air Corps accident two years ago was back in focus this week with news that the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has completed the final report.

However, it won't yet be made public as a statement said that legal representatives of one of the families has sought a review of this Report under Part III, Section 19 of Statutory Instrument 205 of 1997.

It was due to be published on November 8th and while it has been made available to all interested parties and any safety recommendations arising from the investigation have already been made available and are being acted upon, publication has been delayed.

This review will be completed within a few weeks, at which point a decision is due to be taken regarding publication.

The tragedy took place on 12th October 2009 when an Air Corps aircraft crashed in Co. Galway, causing the deaths of a flying instructor and a student cadet.

A preliminary report was made and the final once was due to be released last month, but, given that it is "a sensitive matter which concerns two bereaved families", and on foot of advice received from the AAIU, Dáil Minister Varadkar felt it reasonable to give consideration to the request for a legal review.

The Minister subsequently ordered an internal review of the findings, to be conducted by an official in the Department who is not connected with the AAIU.

The Minister has also sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. Publication of the report has therefore been deferred, but has not been halted.

(BMcC)

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