Investigators to consider role of freezing weather in fatal helicopter crash

Officials investigating a fatal helicopter crash in Co Kildare on Sunday will focus on what role the weather may have played in the incident.

The Robinson 44 helicopter, which was registered in the US, crashed into a field on farmland in Kennycourt, about 6km southeast of Kilcullen, just before 3pm. Locals witnessed the aircraft circling the area before crashing hard into the ground.

The pilot, a man from Dublin, was killed instantly. There were no other occupants.

The victim’s body was removed from the scene by hearse on Monday as investigators combed the field for debris.

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The privately owned aircraft came apart when it hit the ground, spreading wreckage over a wide area.

In an update on Monday afternoon, the Air Accident Investigation Unit said it had “completed its on-site activities” at the scene of the crash and that it will continue to examine the wreckage in its purpose-built facility.

“The wreckage is being transported under escort to the AAIU wreckage examination facility at Gormanston Co Meath for further assessment. The AAIU will consider all the circumstances surrounding the flight and a preliminary report will be published within one month of the crash.”

The Garda said the victim’s body has been removed to Naas Mortuary for formal identification. The Garda said it is to prepare a file for the coroner.

A large covering hid the scene of the crash from public view on Monday but images showed a badly bent tail rotor.

Sources said the freezing conditions in place on Sunday will be one of the focuses of the investigation. Kildare recorded freezing temperatures on Sunday and areas of the county were affected by fog. A freezing fog warning from Met Éireann was also in place for parts of the country.

The most common cause of helicopter crashes is pilot error but in rare circumstances freezing fog has been known to interfere with aircraft. Pilots sometimes also become disorientated in fog. The investigation will determine the airworthiness of the helicopter and what de-icing measures were taken before flight.

The four-seat, US made Robinson R44 is the best-selling helicopter in the world and is popular among police agencies, flying club members and business travellers. In 2015, New Zealand authorities grounded 80 of the country’s helicopters following a crash caused by a rotor blade which failed in fight. Two people were killed. Investigators later determined the rotor blade failed due to overloading.