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‘Lamentable’ failures led to Nimrod tragedy
Ross Lydall28 Oct 2009
Military chiefs were today blamed for a mid-air explosion on a Nimrod spy plane that caused the biggest single loss of life of British forces since the Falklands war.
A report presented to Parliament today said a safety review of the ageing Nimrod fleet, commissioned a year before the plane exploded over Afghanistan in 2006, killing its crew of 14, was a “lamentable job” that was riddled with errors. The report also found that the MoD's attempts to save cash had an impact on safety.
The servicemen died over Kandahar when their 37-year-old plane exploded after mid-air refuelling.
Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said the report was a “formidable indictment” and “genuinely shocking”, containing information that previous incidents and warning signs had been ignored. The explosion occurred when leaking fuel came into contact with hot pipes.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth today told the Commons that two RAF officers had been moved from their posts following the highly critical report. The RAF would now consider if any “further action” would be taken against them.
He said the independent review by leading aviation lawyer Charles Haddon-Cave QC had identified “a failure of leadership, culture and priorities”.
He said: “On behalf of the MoD and the Royal Air Force, I would like again to say sorry to all the families who lost loved ones. I am sorry for the mistakes that have been made and the lives that have been lost as a result of our failure. Nothing I can say or do will bring these men back.”
He added: “Mr Haddon-Cave also states that in our pursuit of financial savings we took our eye off the safety ball. We accept this.”
Reader views (4)
Is the UK Government guilty of Corporate Manslaughter?
- Geek Freak, Paris, Texas, 28/10/2009 22:06
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The Chancellor withheld the money and Defence Ministers did not have the guts to stand upto him. The RAF guys had a choice - take a risk or ground all the Nimrods. They get the blame and the politicians fill in their expense claims.
- Dave B, Beckenham, 28/10/2009 17:24
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All members of the armed forces will accept the possibility that they may lose their lives while on active service. However, these men died, not as a result of enemy action, but due to the complacency and incompetance of the very people who were supposed to safeguard their lives and interests. Saying sorry is not enough. Full compensation must be paid to next-of-kin and the appropriate heads must roll.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 28/10/2009 15:17
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"The report also found that the MoD's attempts to save cash had an impact on safety"
How many Defence Secretary's has New Liebor had in the last 5 years??? It's no wonder the MOD failed these men through lack of leadership. Instead of just saying "sorry" (again)"Duffer" Ainsworth is the current Defence Secretary and should do "the honorable thing" and resign - but don't hold your breath!!!
- Malcolm, London, 28/10/2009 13:51
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