Low-flying recommendations follow helicopter pilot deaths

A coroner has called for power lines in low flying zones to be protected with high visibility markings after two Army helicopter pilots died after hitting high voltage cables.

Lieutenant Mark Reynolds, 24, from Aslockton, and Warrant Officer Vince Hussell, aged 36, were killed when their Squirrel helicopter hit 33,000 volt power lines at Kingscott, near Torrington, North Devon, four years ago.

They crashed because the 130ft high copper lines had oxidized and turned green, making them invisible against the background of a heavily wooded valley.

Greater Devon Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland has recommended better liaison between the military and power companies and high visibility markings on cables in danger areas.

She recorded a narrative verdict in which she told how she had flown over the same stretch of forest in a similar helicopter so she could form her own impression of how easy the lines were to see.

She said:”Even though the presence of the lines was known, they were impossible to see in some lights. I consider this to have been a crucial factor in these deaths.

“The pilots did not realise the height of the lines. It is important for military aviators to be allowed every opportunity to fly low as they prepare for combat.”

She said she plans to write to the Ministry of Defence and power distribution companies alerting them to the lessons of the accident.

Lt Reynolds and WO Hussell, from Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire, were both based with the 670 Regiment Army Air Corps at Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

WO Hussell, a married father of three living in Martin-le-Moor, Ripon, Yorks, was a veteran pilot with more than 2,000 hours flying experience.

They were on a training flight in which WO Hussell was acting as trainer to Lt Reynolds and were flying low and fast when they crashed.

The inquiry by experts from the Army and the Air Accident Investigation Branch failed to establish which of the pilots was in control.

Colonel Murray Whiteside, Commandant of Army Aviation, told the inquest at County Hall, Exeter, all but three of the 38 recommendations of the board of inquiry had been implemented.

He was asked about the feasibility of marking power lines in low flying areas and said: "It may be difficult but a lot of things are in life, if we take responsibility for safety in our society.”

Lt Reynolds’ father Colonel Mike Reynolds, said the inquest had exposed a considerable number of shortcomings in low flying operations.

He said the existing rules seemed more concerned with protecting birds than aviators and said: "We hope the recommendations of this inquest and the Army board of inquiry will be implemented without delay.

“If so, Mark’s death will not be in vain. He lived his 24 years to the full and achieved so very much."

A spokesman for Western Power Distribution, which maintains the power lines, said the inquest’s recommendations would be examined.