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Revision as of 16:44, 4 January 2006 by 24.4.197.67 (talk) (→Other theories)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)On 2 June 1994 a RAF Chinook helicopter carrying almost all the UK's senior Northern Ireland intelligence experts crashed on the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland killing all on board — 25 passengers plus 4 crew.
Case history
The twin-engined Chinook ZD-576 flew into a hillside in dense fog. The helicopter was carrying 25 British intelligence experts from MI5, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, GCHQ and the British Army from Northern Ireland to the mainland of Scotland.
The official inquiry concluded that the crash was caused by pilot error, although this has often been disputed. Alternative theories point to problems with the RAFs upgrade program for their Chinook helicopters. In particular, other similarly upgraded helicopters had experienced problems with engine power delivery delays which may have been caused by control software.
The incident has been the subject of numerous investigations, partly because there is a dispute as to whether the crash was caused by pilot error or by mechanical failure following refit. Also the fact that the crash killed so many intelligence experts encourages speculation over official cover ups and conspiracy theories.
FADEC software
The FADEC software was being upgraded on all RAF Chinook aircraft, as part of an upgrade from Chinook Mk1 to Chinook Mk2 capability.
EDS-SCICON was given the task of independantly evaluating the software on the Chinook Mk2 FADECs in 1993, and according to the House of Commons report, "after examining only 18 per cent of the code they found 486 anomalies and stopped the review". The report also noted that "intermittent engine failure captions were being regularly experienced by aircrew of Chinook Mk 2s and there were instances of uncommanded run up and run down of the engines and undemanded flight control movements". However, this software was being used on operational aircraft.
Chinook tests at Boscombe Down by the MOD in 1994 reported the FADEC software to be "unverifiable and is therefore unsuitable for its purpose"
Navigation software
The onboard Tactical Area Navigation System was shown to have a considerable error in its height at the time of the crash, which may have been caused by the pressure of an exploding aircraft.
Flight data recorder
No flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder was fitted. Evidence about speed and height were derived from the position of cockpit dials in the wreckage.
External links
- Simon Rogerson's article, from IMIS Journal
- MOD press release
- Computer Weekly publications
- House of Lords select committee publications
- chinook-justice.org a web site run by the Mull of Kintyre Group who are campaigning for the cause of the crash to be further investigated, and for the Board of Inquiry conclusions to be changed.