Leicester helicopter crash: Pilot's haunting last words, cause of accident and fatal fire
The Leicester helicopter crash happened back in October 2018
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Nearly half a decade on from the Leicester helicopter crash and the final report into the tragedy has now been published.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Kaveporn Punpare, Nusara Suknamai and pilot and partner Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz all lost their lives following the accident back on 27 October 2018.
The final report has now been published.
It reveals that Mr Swaffer, who was flying the vehicle, said 'I've no idea what's going on' before it fell to the ground outside the King Power Stadium.
Leicester was in mourning after the tragic helicopter crash that killed five people
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The report concludes the pilot could do 'very little' to save those on board.
The Air Accidents Investigation Brance (AAIB) also said a tail rotor bearing seized, which caused the crash to happen.
It was reportedly 'inevitable' after a series of mechanical failures.
The helicopter reached an altitude of 430ft and a shout of 'hey, hey, hey' came from the rear cabin - which is where Mr Vichai and his employees were suited.
Four of the passengers were said to have described the impact of the crash, which took place just over an hour after Leicester's Premier League clash with West Ham.
Yet a fire that was caused by a 'significant' fuel leak ultimately proved fatal.
First responders were on the scene and four people had to be treated for injuries caused by the heat of the fire, having attempted to rescue those inside.
Two police officers tried to smash the helicopter's windscreen with their batons but were unable to get through.
Chief inspector of air accidents at the AAIB, Crispin Orr, said: "This was a tragic accident in which five people sadly lost their lives.
"Our thoughts are with their loved ones, and everyone affected."
The final report is 209 pages long and it has takemn five years to complete.
Authorities from Canada, France, Italy and the US were also involved in the investigation.
The shaft that controlled the tail rotor of the helicopter unscrewed and became detached, which caused the vehicle to spin.
The report from the AAIB said the helicopter complied with 'all applicable airworthiness requirements'.
It was noted that wear on the rotor was reportedly built up over a long period of time and couldn't have been predicted.
Examination was only required once it had been used for 400 hours. That specific vehicle, however, had only been flown for 331 hours before the tragedy.
The AAIB has made eight safety recommendations to the European Aviation Safety Agency as a result of its investigation.
This, it's claimed, is to 'address weaknesses or omissions'.
Leicester was in mourning after the crash, with players of the club travelling to Thailand for Mr Vichai's funeral.
A statue of their late owner was unveiled in 2022, with son Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha taking over.
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A statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium
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Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan responded to the report by saying they hope the report 'will contribute positively to the continued development of future aviation standards and safety'.
She also paid tribute to those who lost their lives by saying: "The tragic events of 27 October, 2018, will forever be etched into the memory of the Leicester City family.
"Yet, in our grief, a sense of unity and strength was forged.
"The extraordinary support and kindness that was extended to those affected, by communities across Leicestershire, football and the wider world will never be forgotten."