Controller of Government Flying Services Captain Brian Butt hopes the two colleagues who died on duty at Pak Kung Au will be buried in Gallant Garden, and has told this to concerned authorities.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme this morning, he said the decision not to use Eurocopter helicopters for night assignments was made after some colleagues expressed their fears after the accident.

It is important to consider the morale and solidarity among colleagues in the department, he added.

On the investigation into the air crash, the Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo said there is no question of lack of independence.

Mr Lo pointed out that Government Flying Service and the Civil Aviation Department come under different Bureax, namely Security, and Economic Development & Labour. Flying Services is a service provider while the aviation department plays a monitoring role in the delivery of such service.

The investigation team, he continued, has been set up in accordance with existing regulations. It comprises five representatives from the aviation department and flying services, the manufacturer and the manufacturing country.

They are all experts in related fields and experienced in air accident investigations. If necessary, outside experts would be invited to assist the investigation.

Captain Butt reiterated that after the accident, they conducted a thorough examination of other Eurocopter helicopters and are satisfied that they are functioning normally.