[Keith]

So a helicopter has hit a crane in London, happened this morning to an experienced Air Ambulance pilot although the Heli was not an Ambulance. 2 killed and I think 12 injured but not too seriously. A miracle indeed as it was Rush Hour. Happened in Vauxhall close to the MI5 building in fog.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21040410

[eye30]

Yes seen it on the news.

I wonder what will be given as the cause....

[Keith]

Yes seen it on the news.

I wonder what will be given as the cause....

Allegedly, local residents have been complaining that the warning light on top of the crane wasn't working.

[eye30]

Yes seen it on the news.

I wonder what will be given as the cause....

Allegedly, local residents have been complaining that the warning light on top of the crane wasn't working.

If that's the case ££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ compo and manslaughter charges against the directors/firm who will immediately go bust.....

[Keith]

Maybe they will say "Pilot Error" then to save a business... I know, I'm a registered cynic...

[FatBoy]

It happened in daylight therefore the light isn't required to be on. A tragedy nonetheless.

Please don't be like the media and speculate on the cause. The UK has an excellent crash investigation service, let them do their job and come up with the answer.

[Dazzler]

Nasty incident but great that most escaped unscathed 

[Keith]

It happened in daylight therefore the light isn't required to be on. A tragedy nonetheless.

Please don't be like the media and speculate on the cause. The UK has an excellent crash investigation service, let them do their job and come up with the answer.

I wouldn't speculate FB... I'm not qualified & there is no point.
I was merely doing a tongue in cheek thought about what might be said if the truth might cause a business bankruptcy.
Surely common sense dictates that a navigation light SHOULD be on in poor visibility where heli's fly low with tall buildings present?

[FatBoy]

Agreed. But more common sense asks what the pilot was doing flying in poor visibility with tall buildings and cranes around.

[Keith]

Agreed. But more common sense asks what the pilot was doing flying in poor visibility with tall buildings and cranes around.

I guess its what he was paid to do but I wont speculate, it has been mentioned he asked to be diverted to a landing point elsewhere...

[eye30]

Update:
Helicopter Crash: Pilot's Last Words Revealed


http://uk.news.yahoo.com/helicopter-crash-pilots-last-words-revealed-150904576.html#Ksq3vNg

[FatBoy]

Some more information on this tragic event.  The crane was listed in NOTAMs (NOtice To AirMen) and was lit, the questions yet to be answered are:

1. If he knew it was there, and it was lit, why did he hit it?

2. Why did he attempt to do the job when the client said not to?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/23/london-helicopter-crash-pilot-weather-warning

[Phil №❶]

I fear there will be a long wait, for the ans to Q2

[FatBoy]

I fear there will be a long wait, for the ans to Q2

The answer would be $$$$$.  Unfortunately it is what drives the aviation industry, particularly with corporate transfers.