Published on
Statement on the report into 2009 fatal Galway Air Corps accident
Sunday 11
th December 2011
On 12th October 2009 an Air Corps aircraft crashed in Co. Galway, causing the deaths of a flying instructor and a student cadet.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport published a Preliminary Report into the accident in November 2009, and has since completed the Final Report.
The Final Report was due to be published on November 8th of this year. However, the legal representative of one of the families has sought a review of this Report under Part III, Section 19 of Statutory Instrument 205 of 1997.
Given that this is a sensitive matter which concerns two bereaved families, and on foot of advice received from the AAIU, Minister Varadkar felt it reasonable to give consideration to this request.
The Minister subsequently ordered an internal review of the findings, to be conducted by an official in the Department who is not connected with the AAIU. The Minister has also sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. Publication of the report has therefore been deferred, but has not been halted.
This review will be completed within a few weeks, at which point a decision is due to be taken regarding publication.
The Final Report has been made available to all interested parties. Any safety recommendations arising from the investigation have already been made available to all appropriate bodies and are being acted upon.
Ends