Inquiry into fatal helicopter crash off Shetland told more realism in survival training could risk injury
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An inquiry into a fatal helicopter crash which killed an Inverness man has been told that more realistic survival training could risk injury.
Father-of-two Gary McCrossan (59), of Westhill, was among four passengers who died after a Super Puma crashed into the sea off Shetland in 2013.
Stephen O'Collard, the chief technical pilot for helicopter firm CHC, told the seventh day of the fatal accident inquiry that crew and passenger pool survival training involved partial submersion, full upright submersion, and submersion with a slow rollover and also with a rapid rollover.
He was asked by Derek Pyle, Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, if realism needed to be looked at in the UK in light of the crash.
"I think there is a lot to be said for that," Mr O'Collard replied but added there were certain difficulties.
He said it could be done in the dark by turning lights out but a simulator could not be dropped into the water from too great a height.
"We do not want to be injuring people in training", Mr O'Collard said.
Asked whether there were any other alternative means of transport for offshore workers other than helicopters, Mr O'Collard said there were walk-to-work vessels which could be positioned next to platforms and were used in the southern North Sea.
But the rougher conditions in the northern North Sea meant they were not really a practical solution.
A total of 18 people were on board the helicopter.
Mr McCrossan died from heart failure while Sarah Darnley (45), of Elgin, Duncan Munro (46), of Bishop Auckland, and George Allison (57), of Winchester, drowned.
A survivor, Samuel Bull later took his own life after suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
The inquiry continues.
Related story: Pilot of doomed helicopter said 'oh no' just before it crashed
