Fact finding: A Government Flying Service EC155B1 helicopter like this one pictured above crashed on a hillside near Tung Chung on Lantau on August 26, 2003. (Library photo)

The report of an investigation into the August 26, 2003, crash of a Government Flying Service helicopter has been released.

The report analyses the circumstances of the accident, identifies possible causes, and makes nine recommendations to Government Flying Service, Civil Aviation Department and the manufacturer of the Personal Locator Beacon for enhancing flight safety.

The organisations concerned have accepted all the recommendations.

The Government Flying Service said most of the recommendations have already been implemented such as implementation of a minimum en-route height and procedures, improved crew resource management training, mandatory wearing of helmets and a longer overlap between shifts. Other suggestions will be implemented as soon as possible.

The department said it is committed to continued improvement of its operations and will continue to provide a full range of emergency and essential flying services to the community in accordance with stringent flight-safety standards.

The accident involved an EC155B1 helicopter operated by the Government Flying Service. The pilot and the aircrewman died.

Investigation to prevent future mishaps - not apportion blame

Immediately after the accident, the Chief Inspector of Accidents ordered an Inspector's Investigation into the accident in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations.

The investigation's aim was to determine the accident's circumstances and causes with a view to avoiding future accidents - not for apportioning blame or liability.

The report is available for downloading from the Civil Aviation Department website. Copies of the report are also available for sale at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department in Room 402, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.