Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 25th July 2000 at 354 c550W, on the Chinook crash, whether Sir William Wratten and Sir John Day knew of his Department's legal claim against the FADEC manufacturer, Textron Lycoming at the time of their investigation into the fatal crash of Chinook ZD576.

Answer: Mr. Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 25 July 2000, Official Report, column 550W, on the Chinook crash, whether Sir William Wratten and Sir John Day knew of his Department's legal claim against the FADEC manufacturer, Textron Lycoming at the time of their investigation into the fatal crash of Chinook ZD576. [133758] Mr. Spellar: At the time of the RAF Board of Inquiry into the Mull of Kintyre accident, Sir William Wratten was not aware of this litigation and did not recall the Wilmington incident that led to this legal action being taken. Sir John Day was aware that there had been a problem with FADEC testing, but did not know of the extent of the Department's legal claim. Regardless of this, the investigation into the accident was very thorough. All possible causes, including FADEC, were examined, but no evidence was found of technical malfunction.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c28W; 133758
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Damages Accidents Air force Inquiries USA Chinook helicopters Textron Lycoming
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk