North Sea helicopter crash inquiry to be heard remotely

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into a North Sea helicopter crash that killed four people is to be held remotely so no more time is lost.

The Super Puma was carrying 18 people when it ditched on its approach to Sumburgh, Shetland, in 2013.

Passengers: Four people died in the crash.

Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin, Moray; Gary McCrossan, 59, from Inverness; Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and George Allison, 57, from Winchester, Hampshire, all died in the incident.

The FAI into the crash had been scheduled for May but was adjourned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To avoid further delay, a preliminary hearing will now be held virtually on Friday, when a date will be set for the full inquiry.

The Sumburgh Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the crash of a helicopter near Shetland is to be heard remotely. A prelminary hearing has been scheduled for Friday 5 June when a further date will be set for the full Inquiry. https://t.co/qM1lRmLFJL
— Judges Scotland (@JudgesScotland) June 3, 2020

Derek Pyle, sheriff principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, said: “I have been very concerned about the time that has passed since the accident and feel that, despite the challenges, the inquiry should be held remotely so that no further time is lost.

“An enormous amount of work has been carried out behind the scenes to make this possible and I am grateful to the Crown Office, court staff and all the other FAI participants for their commitment.”