Leicester City Helicopter Crash Inquest: Key Facts and Latest Updates
An inquest into the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Leicester City Football Club’s owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others is set to commence on Monday, January 13, 2025. The incident occurred on October 27, 2018, when the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducted a thorough investigation and, in September 2023, released a report identifying a mechanical failure in the tail rotor control mechanism as the cause of the crash.
The report concluded that the loss of control was due to the disconnection of the tail rotor actuator control shaft from the actuator lever mechanism, leading to an unrecoverable spin.
In light of these findings, the family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has initiated legal action against Leonardo S.p.A., the manufacturer of the helicopter.
They have filed a claim in the High Court in London, seeking £2.15 billion in damages, citing loss of earnings and other related damages. This claim is reported to be the largest fatal accident claim in English legal history.
Leonardo S.p.A. has expressed sympathy for the victims but intends to defend against the claim, asserting that their aircraft met all required safety standards and regulatory requirements.