A preliminary report on what caused a Sikorsky helicopter to crash and burst into flames in the car park of a secondary school in Bettystown, Co Meath last month, has concluded that the helicopter hit a lamppost as it attempted to land.
The investigation, which was carried out by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU), reports that no technical problems were found with the American registered S76 helicopter.
Three people, including the pilot, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth with minor injuries following the crash, which also caused damage to surrounding properties and cars. Coláiste na hInse secondary school had broken up for the day about an hour before the crash took place.
The investigation reports that having landed earlier on a beach where two passengers had alighted, the pilot, who was the only occupant, attempted to land the helicopter in the car park after becoming concerned over the number of people gathering around it.
As the helicopter descended the left-hand rear side of the main rotor disk struck a six metre high lamppost, causing it to spin. It's main rotor disintegrated on coming into contact with the ground while the tail rotor hit a low wall. The helicopter immediately burst into flames and the pilot managed to escape unaided.
The investigation commends the emergency fire services, which it says "responded in a timely manner."
A final report into the crash is due to be published shortly.
