Helicopters' blades hit in collision, inquest told

Two helicopters on training exercises crashed when their rotor blades struck each other 65ft above Shropshire's Tern Hill Barracks, an inquest heard today.

Civilian pilot John Garnons Williams, 60, of Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury, died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the crash on January 10.

The two Squirrel helicopters from the RAF Shawbury-based Defence Helicopter Flying School collided on the engines-off landing (EOL) strip at the barracks near Market Drayton.

The inquest was opened today at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court.

In his opening statement, Mr John Ellery, coroner for mid and north Shropshire, said Mr Garnons Williams worked for FB Heliservices Ltd. He had also served in the RAF from 1968 to 1984.

He said Mr Garnons Williams had 8,200 hours flying experience and more than 3,000 hours in the Squirrel helicopter.

Mr Ellery said Mr Garnons Williams, who was flying the helicopter, had been instructing Flight Lieutenant Nicholas McCready.

He was explaining what happens to a helicopter when the engines are off.

Mr Ellery said: "On this day there was a strong wind and Mr Garnons Williams, with Flight Lieutenant McCready, was descending - and it has been described as almost vertically."

Mr Ellery said at the same time, a helicopter was being flown by Lieutenant Barry Muirhead, instructed by Squadron Leader Carl Holt.

"Tragically their paths crossed when Mr Garnons William's Squirrel Helicopter descended on to the helicopter being flown by Lieutenant Muirhead," he added."

The inquest continues.