Inquest Hears Pilots in Fatal Helicopter Incident Were ‘Highly Skilled’

An inquest has revealed that the pilots operating a helicopter involved in the death of a woman at a Devon hospital were very experienced and skilled. Jean Langan, 87, died from her injuries on March 4, 2022, after being “blown over” by a rapid change in air, also known as downwash, from a search and rescue helicopter landing at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. The inquest at Exeter Coroner’s Court was informed that both pilots had served in the Royal Navy and collectively possessed 12,000 hours of flying experience. Retired coroner Ian Arrow dismissed the jury after its members recorded the death as an accident. The hearing is ongoing, as Mr. Arrow has yet to record a final conclusion. The hearing was previously told that Mrs. Langan died from head injuries after falling backwards due to the aircraft’s downwash. On Monday, Richard James, an investigator with the Air Accident Investigation Branch, informed the inquest that communication between helicopter operators and the hospital was not effective. He stated that this issue was not exclusive to Derriford Hospital but was a national concern, and plans to improve communications were already under way. Providing further evidence on Tuesday, Mr. James told the jury it was unlikely the pilots – whom he described as “highly experienced” and “highly skilled” – would have seen Mrs. Langan being blown over. The inquest heard that Derriford’s helipad had been operational for seven years before her death, facilitating 2,500 landings, 140 of which involved search and rescue helicopters. According to Mr. James, large helicopters were banned from landing there following her death. Upon dismissing the jury, Mr. Arrow stated that its members concluded the retired civil servant had been “struck over” by the helicopter as it was landing, in what was deemed an accident. The inquest is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, with more witnesses and experts still expected to give and submit evidence.