Helicopter 'did not respond to pilot's command' according to interim report published just days after Leicester's first home game at King Power Stadium since the fatal crash
Wednesday 14 November 2018 14:12, UK
Forensic experts looking into the crash which the killed Leicester City owner and four other people are focusing their investigation on helicopter's tail rotor.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died along with two members of his staff, the pilot and a passenger in the crash outside the King Power Stadium on October 27.
Video footage of the helicopter carrying the Leicester owner shows the aircraft going into a spin moments before it crashed outside the stadium.
A preliminary report released by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) described how pilot Eric Swaffer lost control moments after take-off with "the helicopter entering an increasing right yaw contrary to the pilot's left pedal command".
Although the apparent loss of control is still to be determined, the AAIB report stresses the "investigation of the tail rotor control system is being carried out as a priority".
The wreckage of the AW169 helicopter remains at the AAIB's HQ in Hampshire where 'detailed forensic assessment' is ongoing.
The update comes just days after players and fans paid an emotional tribute to the club's late owner ahead of their match against Burnley, their first home game since the crash.
Thousands of Leicester supports took part in a march through the city before kick-off to remember those who died.
Following the 0-0 draw Vichai's two sons, Aiyawatt and Apichet, led a lap of the stadium to give their thanks for the support shown to the family following the tragedy.
Afterwards, manager Claude Puel described the feelings in the dressing room for the emotionally charged fixture.
"It was a communion with our fans," said Puel. "To see the former players, former managers come back to honour the chairman shows the man he was."
