The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Leicester City’s owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others has been ruled accidental by an inquest jury. The incident, which occurred on October 27, 2018, outside the King Power Stadium in Leicester, resulted in the deaths of Nursara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer, and Mr. Swaffer’s girlfriend, Izabela Roza Lechowicz. The jury, after being directed to conclude that the crash was accidental, delivered its verdict on Tuesday.
The aftermath of the crash was emotionally devastating, as revealed through the heartfelt testimonies of those left behind. Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the son of Khun Vichai, poignantly described his father as “one-of-a-kind” and “an investor in dreams.” The pain of losing his father was evident as he expressed, “We miss him and feel his loss every day.” His statement also highlighted a critical revelation – the helicopter was a “death trap” due to design flaws that went tragically unnoticed until the fatal crash.
As Jon Rudkin, Leicester City’s director of football, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash, the image of Mr. Srivaddhanaprabha waving and giving a thumbs-up before takeoff lingered in the minds of those present. The helicopter’s sudden nosedive and subsequent spin were a chilling sight, leaving witnesses like Mr. Rudkin stunned by the unfolding tragedy.
The inquest shed light on the technical failures that led to the crash, with an animation revealing a mechanical fault that caused the helicopter to lose control and crash outside the stadium. The AAIB principal inspector, Mark Jarvis, emphasized that the pilot, Eric Swaffer, did everything in his power to prevent the crash, indicating the catastrophic nature of the mechanical malfunction that sealed their fate.
The scene of the crash was painted vividly by Sergeant Michael Hooper, who recounted the desperate attempts to rescue those trapped in the wreckage. As he heard Mr. Swaffer’s cries for help, the urgency of the situation became palpable. The impact of the crash and subsequent fuel leak created a deadly inferno, with PC Stephen Quartermain expressing the grim realization that there was no way to save the victims from the ensuing fire and smoke.
Amidst the tragedy, the families of the victims sought closure and justice. A poignant tribute to Khun Vichai described him as a “caring and devoted” family man, revered for his generosity and intellect. The loss of Izabela Roza Lechowicz, a passionate individual with a zest for life, was mourned by her sister, Kate, who fondly remembered her love for aviation and technology. The pilot, Eric Swaffer, was celebrated for his passion for flying and life, while Kaveporn Punpare was honored for his dedication to his family and his role as a butler to Khun Vichai.
The emotional toll of the tragedy extended beyond the personal realm, as legal action was taken against the helicopter’s manufacturer, Leonardo SpA, to seek accountability for the fatal design flaws. The lawsuit, amounting to £2.15bn, marked a significant step in pursuing justice for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for accountability and safety in aviation.
The legacy of those lost in the tragic helicopter crash serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing critical safety concerns in aviation. The inquest’s verdict may have brought closure to some, but the pain of loss and the memories of those who perished will endure as a testament to their lives and the tragedy that befell them.
