Police helicopter crashes into Glasgow pub roof

[Derek]

Investigators have found no evidence of a "major" engine or gearbox failure in the police helicopter which crashed into a busy Glasgow pub.

What could have caused it to lose power and crash so catastrophically if the fuel, engine and gearbox were all apparently sound?

---------- Post added at 10:24 ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 ----------

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...-west-25306936

[Russ]

As you know some idiots like to shine laser pens at helicopter pilots, surely something like that wouldn't cause the pilot to be incapacitated?

The rotors were not turning at the moment of impact and prior to that, the vehicle was seen to lose altitude rapidly. It would be difficult to see how distraction from a laser pen could cause the pilot to shut his rotors down.

There is audio and video evidence anyway, so we will doubtless find out soon enough.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Derek

What could have caused it to lose power and crash so catastrophically if the fuel, engine and gearbox were all apparently sound?

---------- Post added at 10:24 ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 ----------

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...-west-25306936

My money is on gearbox failure. My dad is also certain this is what caused it. He worked for BALPA for many years and after that Scotia Helicopters before he retired, so has a lot of aviation knowledge.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Stephen

My money is on gearbox failure.

I think that was what they were betting on but the preliminary report seems to ruled out a gearbox failure severe enough to cause the chopper to lose all rotation.

Time will tell I suppose.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Derek

I think that was what they were betting on but the preliminary report seems to ruled out a gearbox failure severe enough to cause the chopper to lose all rotation.

Time will tell I suppose.

I spoke to him again today and he is sure that it will be the gear box. There is nothing else that would cause the blades to just stop spinning completly.

[denphone]

Glasgow helicopter crash: Clutha death toll rises to 10.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-25352971

[nashville]

What a Christmas for all these families. Thinking of them all

[Stephen]

I was shocked when I saw this news. The step son is a very good friend I have known for a long time. Totally stunned right now.

Haven't seen him in a little while and never noticed his FB status updates over the last couple of weeks as don't really venture there much. Very gutted about it.

[Derek]

Some people showing the real spirit of Glasgow...

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...-west-25427114

Four people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into the wrecked Clutha bar in Glasgow.

Police said two men, aged 18 and 16, and two 16-year-old women had been charged with theft after being arrested in the early hours of Tuesday.

[nashville]

I just could not believe this when I read it? They should be horsewhipped and locked up for life.

[Osem]

A small minority thankfully.

[Cobbydaler]

Double engine failure due to fuel supply problem

http://bbc.in/1eVIYfZ

[nashville]

Terrible disaster makes me scared when I see a Helicopter

[weenie]

tragedy