Response to publication of AAIB Report
We are very sorry that this tragic incident happened and our sympathies go to Ms Langan’s family and everyone affected. We have supported the AAIB’s investigation and made immediate changes to the operational running of the helipad as a result of this incident. We closed the helipad to those aircraft over 5 tonnes such as the coastguard helicopter, closed the car park adjacent to the helipad to patients and visitors to reduce the risk of downwash and increased signage in the area. These changes were made in March 2022 and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Having an onsite helipad is a critical component of our role as an emergency centre and allows patients to be quickly transferred between helicopters and the Emergency Department. The AAIB report made a number of national recommendations which will lead to further improvements for hospital helipads across the country and we will work closely with the relevant national bodies to implement those recommendations in Plymouth.
The report can be read found on the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) website here: AAIB Formal Report: Sikorsky S-92A (G-MCGY), Fatal accident, 4 March 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
