RAF Chinook crash victims’ families ask Andy Burnham for review of disaster

Families of Chinook Crash Victims Seek Andy Burnham’s Intervention for Independent Investigation

A Call for Transparency After Three Decades

Wanderstayfinder.com – Relatives of the servicemen and women who perished in a tragic RAF Chinook helicopter accident during 1994 have made an urgent appeal to Andy Burnham. They are requesting that he dismantle what they describe as Britain’s entrenched “cover-up culture” and commission an independent examination of the catastrophe. The devastating incident claimed the lives of twenty-nine active military personnel when the Chinook HC2 aircraft plummeted onto the Mull of Kintyre peninsula in south-west Scotland. The helicopter had been en route from Northern Ireland at the time of the disaster.

Initially, responsibility for the crash was placed squarely on the shoulders of the two pilots operating the aircraft. However, following a comprehensive inquiry conducted in 2011, these aviators were cleared of any wrongdoing. Unfortunately, that earlier investigation failed to establish what actually caused the helicopter to crash. Now, after thirty-two years of waiting for answers, the families believe that crucial evidence may have been concealed from the public.

Fox Raises Concerns About Withheld Information

Liam Fox, the former Conservative defence secretary who initiated the official review, voiced significant worries last month regarding potential information suppression. He stated that there were now “deep concerns” that “vital information” might have been deliberately withheld from investigators. Fox, who is actively supporting demands for a new independent review, expressed that there was now a “strong enough belief” that a coordinated cover-up had indeed occurred.

According to Fox, there were particular concerns that details supplied by the Ministry of Defence concerning the airworthiness of the crashed Chinook were “not correct.” This discrepancy has fueled suspicions that the MoD may have been less than transparent about the helicopter’s condition prior to the fatal flight.

“We would urge Mr Burnham to meet us within his first 100 days in office so we can present the evidence that has emerged over recent years and explain why we believe a fresh review, independent of the Ministry of Defence, is now essential.”

Legal Battles and European Court Action

Complicating matters further, a high court judge ruled this month that the families of several victims were unable to pursue legal claims against the MoD because their cases had been filed too late. Despite this setback, the Chinook Justice Campaign (CJC), comprising more than fifty-five family members representing twenty-five of the victims, announced plans to escalate the matter to the European court of human rights.

However, Matt Tobias, whose father Lieutenant Colonel John Tobias lost his life in the crash, emphasized that the families “do not want years of further litigation.” Instead, they are urging the prime minister to facilitate a fresh independent review. Tobias explained that they would welcome a meeting with Burnham early in his tenure to present newly emerged evidence and demonstrate why an independent examination is now absolutely essential.

“Mr Burnham’s speech in the House of Commons, in which he spoke about ending Britain’s cover-up culture and strengthening the duty of candour, gave our families real hope.”

Hillsborough Law Connection and MoD Response

In a formal letter delivered to Burnham, the Chinook families described their situation as potentially being a “test case” for the new Hillsborough law. This legislation, which received unanimous backing from MPs this month, establishes a legally enforceable duty of candour that compels public officials and authorities to maintain transparency during investigations.

Tobias added: “We ask that he and his ministers give the Chinook families more respect than we received from his predecessor, who denied us a meeting and an inquiry – believing MoD lies instead. After 32 years, we are not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking for the truth.”

The CJC has outlined specific requirements for the new review, including full access to all relevant documents concerning both the airworthiness of the Chinook helicopter and the circumstances surrounding the crash. An MoD spokesperson responded: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who died in the Mull of Kintyre crash. We understand the recent court judgment will be disappointing for those involved. Defence Ministers have previously met with the CJC and we will continue to engage to hear concerns and discuss this important matter.”