***************************************************
The Government today (May 4) publishes the report of the investigation into an aircraft accident on August 26, 2003. The accident involved an EC155B1 helicopter operated by Government Flying Service. The pilot and the aircrewman were fatally injured.
Immediately after the accident, the Chief Inspector of Accidents ordered an Inspector's Investigation into the accident in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations. "The objective of the investigation was to determine the circumstances and the causes of the accident with a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of accidents in the future. It is not for apportioning blame or liability," a government spokesman said.
The investigation was conducted by a team of trained accident investigators in strict adherence to the international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The investigation report analyses the circumstances of the accident, identifies possible causes, and makes nine recommendations to Government Flying Service, Civil Aviation Department and the manufacturer of the Personal Locator Beacon for further enhancing flight safety. These recommendations have all been accepted by the organisations concerned.
The report is available for downloading from the web-site of the Civil Aviation Department (http://www.cad.gov.hk). Copies of the report are also available for sale at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department in Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.
Ends/Thursday, May 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
