Passengers in fatal helicopter crash off Shetland may not have had time for last big breath

The suddeness of a fatal helicopter crash in the sea off Shetland may have meant people did not have time for a last big breath to help them in their escape.

Speaking on the third day of a fatal accident inquiry into the 2013 Super Puma crash, pathologist James Grieve highlighted the stress and efforts of trying to escape.

Inverness father-of-two Gary McCrossan was among four people who died on the day while a survivor later took his own life after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Grieve, who carried out the post mortem examinations, said Mr McCrossan (59), who had cardiac disease, died from heart failure.

He also confirmed Sarah Darnley (45), from Elgin, Duncan Munro (46), from Bishop Auckland, and George Allison (57), from Winchester, drowned after the crash.

Mr Grieve said the suddenness of the whole episode may have meant people did not get time for a last big breath to help tide them through escape efforts.

Offshore worker Neil Ritchie, who was among the 18 passengers on board, also spoke at the inquiry.

The 39-year-old recalled hearing a loud vibration and seeing the pilot pulling on the stick in the cockpit.

"At that point there I knew there would only be one outcome," he said. "I managed to brace myself."

Mr Ritchie said they hit the water at an angle and were quickly under water upside down.

He counted to three to make sure the rotor blades had stopped.

He inflated his life jacket by mistake and managed to find an air pocket.

Seeing legs going out a window, he managed to follow them and thought: "I am going to try and see my family again."

Mr Ritchie, who has a young son and now a daughter, has not flown offshore since.

He said survival training he received in Norway was a bit more stringent than in the UK, with submersions featuring a wave machine.

In response to a question from Martin Richardson for the Crown, Mr Ritchie said his safety training was helpful on the day in question.

A statement of agreed evidence has confirmed no mechanical fault was discovered with the helicopter when it ditched on August 23 2013.

A survivor, Samuel Bull, took his own life in 2017 after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The inquiry, before Derek Pyle, Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, continues.

Related story: Survivor of helicopter crash says training saved his life

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