Black boxes to be fitted to replacement helicopters after Clutha tragedy
Police Scotlands new helicopter will have a black box recorder as part of its renewed £17.9 million seven-year contract with the company that provided the model of aircraft involved in the Clutha bar crash.
Police Scotlands new helicopter will have a black box recorder as part of its renewed £17.9 million seven-year contract with the company that provided the model of aircraft involved in the Clutha bar crash.
Ten people including the pilot and two officers died in 2013 when a Bond Air Services helicopter crashed through the roof of the bar in Glasgow after its fuel pumps were switched off.
In 2014, solicitors representing the firm accepted responsibility for the losses of those affected by the incident.
However, because the vehicle was not equipped with recording devices, it was impossible for investigators to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, such as why no mayday call was sent out.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch therefore recommended they are installed in future models.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Bond Air Services and Police Scotland have a well-established collaborative relationship and have worked together to find solutions to enhance the operational capabilities of Police Scotland air support whilst taking into consideration the AAIB recommendations.
“The new helicopter will be fitted with technology which goes beyond current industry standards for this type of aircraft.”