| Safety Bulletin |
INQUEST TOUCHING THE DEATH OF ADAM KIRBY On the 2 November 1999, the Coroner's Inquest into the tragic death of Adam Kirby, one of our junior members, re-opened following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and the British Model Flying Association, assisted by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and the Royal Air Force. The aims of the Court were to establish the facts of the case and to give its verdict. The Coroner explained he was not permitted in law to allocate blame nor give any recommendations. However, he went on to explain that he had the right to contact authorities once the Inquest was closed if he felt this would help prevent reoccurrence of an accident. Witnesses were called from the Phoenix Model Flying Club, the Metropolitan Police, the Air Accident Investigation Branch and the British Model Flying Association. The Court established that Adam was killed by a Loaded Dice model aircraft that was out of control. The Jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Any proceedings such as this also seek to establish the probable cause or causes of such an accident using witness's statements, specialist reports and evidence given. Whilst it would be inappropriate to go into detail, the most likely but not absolute cause of the accident was the simultaneous operation of two transmitters on the frequency of the accident aircraft. Although the absolute cause was unknown, it was positively established the aircraft which was fitted with PCM radio entered "Failsafe - Hold" mode shortly after take off. It then flew for approximately 20 seconds during which time it climbed to approximately 100 feet in a gentle left hand turn before departing from relatively stable flight in a diving 270 degree turn and impacting into pits. Despite shouted warnings by the pilot and several others, these were not heard by a small group of members in sufficient time to take avoiding action, including Adam. This was due to the warnings being masked by an engine being run in their immediate vicinity. The impact resulted in Adam's instant death. Notwithstanding, it was explained to the Court that extraneous interference could not be absolutely ruled out although evidence, investigations carried out by the Metropolitan Police and an interference survey by a Royal Air Force team indicated this was unlikely. In addition, equipment failure could not be entirely eliminated as an intermittently faulty receiver crystal was identified. However, the evidence and tests by the Air Accident Investigation Branch indicated that this cause was highly unlikely and that the crystal had probably been damaged during the impact. Tests by the Air Accident Investigation Branch also confirmed that if a transmitter's antenna is retracted it has a significantly reduced effect over another transmitter on the same frequency provided the second transmitter's antenna is extended. Following the evidence, the Coroner asked if the British Model Flying Association planned to instigate actions to try and prevent reoccurrence of a similar accident. We undertook to review our recommendations on the following to determine if we could improve our already comprehensive safety code:
Any possible improvements we are able to recommend will be disseminated to all members and clubs through the BMFA News, Club Bulletins and Handbook Addendums. We also hope to enlist the help of the model trade, the model media and CIAM to inform non-BMFA flyers and clubs. What can you and your Club do to help the BMFA and your colleagues? It is essential that all clubs and members follow their legal obligations under Air Navigation Order 56 in that "A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger persons or property". Guidance is given in Civil Air Procedure 658, Small (Model) Aircraft - A Guide to Safe Flying and is referred to throughout the Handbook whenever it adds to the BMFA safety code. Therefore, it is essential for you and your Club to fly in accordance with the BMFA Safety Code in order to protect yourselves and others. If not, you may be expected to justify your decision should it be tested in law. There can be no excuse for any transgressions no matter how minor as they can all accumulate with terrifying consequences, as we have recently witnessed. Every member is a safety officer in their own right. If you witness a transgression then do something about it and politely inform the transgressor of the error. In many cases, it is simply a lack of knowledge. It is not acceptable to turn away and disown your responsibilities and leave it for others to sort out. However, if needs be, have the courage to inform your committee so they may undertake further action if they see fit. Ensure you have a strong committee that enforces Club Rules and is capable of taking punitive action if members continue to act irresponsibly. Ensure that newcomers to your Club are given safety training and are correctly supervised. Encourage the achievement and instructor schemes. Ensure all members are regularly updated on safety issues and they are not out of date. There is bound to be the inevitable outcry from clubs and members who see such action as "taking the fun out of it" or "interfering with liberties". We have one answer; "Where is the fun or liberty for those touched by Adam's death?" Be absolutely clear, the future success of model flying lies with every model flyer in the UK. You have to fly safely and be seen to fly safely. Mike Goldby |