Helicopter crash report queries preparation of base

The official investigation into the death of four Air Corps crew in a Dauphin helicopter crash at Tramore, Co Waterford, last year raises questions about the adequate preparation for a 24-hour air/sea marine rescue base in the south-east.

The report by the Department of Public Enterprise's Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is due to be published today. It is critical of a number of organisations, including Air Corps senior management, and makes a series of safety recommendations, some of which have already been implemented.

Capt Dave O'Flaherty (30), Capt Mick Baker (28), Sgt Pat Mooney (34) and Cpl Niall Byrne (24) died instantly when their helicopter crashed in fog on Tramore beach early on July 2nd, 1999. They were responding to a call after a small pleasure craft was reported missing.

It was their first emergency mission following activation of the search-and-rescue base for 24-hour duty by the then minister for the marine and natural resources, Dr Woods, the previous day.

The report highlights the lack of an air-traffic controller in the control tower at Waterford Airport at the time and the dearth of adequate meteorological information. Waterford Regional Airport has said there was no requirement on it to provide air-traffic control.

Lack of evidence is believed to have hampered the work of the AAIU as the Dauphin was virtually destroyed. The suitability of the short-range craft for this type of mission was also questioned.