A formal inquiry concerning the deaths of five individuals in a helicopter accident near Leicester City’s King Power Stadium is scheduled to commence next month, over six years after the incident. Individuals who witnessed the event, personnel from emergency services, and representatives from relevant organizations are slated to provide testimony when the proceedings open on January 13. The victims of the 2018 crash included Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, chairman of Leicester City Football Club; fellow passengers Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare; pilot Eric Swaffer; and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz, who was also a professional pilot. A preliminary review hearing for the inquest took place on Friday at Leicester City Hall, where initial procedural issues were addressed. An inquiry determined that the accident occurred subsequent to the pilot’s pedals detaching from the tail rotor. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) additionally established that the Leonardo AW169 helicopter ascended to an approximate height of 430ft (131m) before descending rapidly to the ground close to the stadium following a match. The helicopter quickly became engulfed in flames after impact. The formal investigation, which will involve a jury, is anticipated to span a duration of two to three weeks. Jonathan Hough KC, the lead counsel for the inquest, informed the review hearing that “tributes telling the jury about each victim’s background and personality will be heard on the opening day of proceedings.” He further stated that “the inquest would examine the mechanical cause of the crash, with the first witness being a principal inspector from the AAIB.” Confirmation was also provided that the jury will receive testimony concerning a tail rotor bearing installed on the helicopter. Upon adjourning the pre-inquest review, Leicester Coroner Prof Catherine Mason announced that she would issue decisions on initial issues pertaining to the inquests prior to Wednesday of the following week. For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available. Post navigation Accounts of women’s experiences within Iran’s notorious Evin prison Trial Hears Relationship Described as Turning from ‘Fairy Tale’ to ‘Nightmare’