Final moments of fatal King Power helicopter crash revealed

The last moments of the fatal helicopter accident that led to the deaths of Leicester owner Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, along with Kaveporn Punpare, Nusara Suknamai, Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz outside the King Power Stadium in October 2018 have been outlined in a publication from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

The report outlines the moments after the helicopter took off from the pitch at the King Power Stadium to the point in which it plummeted to the ground in a car park outside the stadium.

The accident has been attributed to the pilot’s pedals becoming disconnected from the tail rotor, say investigators. The helicopter was then forced to make a sharp right turn, which rendered the aircraft “impossible to control”.

The last words of the pilot include: “I’ve no idea what’s going on,” as the passengers in the rear cabin became increasingly agitated.

The report says the pilot then “performed the most appropriate actions” by altering a lever to reduce the angle of the helicopter and ensuring as much of a cushioned impact as possible.

Responding to the report, Leicester City chief executive Susan Whelan said: “We commend the extensive and detailed body of work undertaken by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and welcome the publication of its report, in the hope it will contribute positively to the continued development of future aviation standards and safety.

“The tragic events of 27 October, 2018, will forever be etched into the memory of the Leicester City family. It was a night we experienced the devastating loss of our beloved Chairman, friends, colleagues, and family members. Yet, in our grief, a sense of unity and strength was forged. The extraordinary support and kindness that was extended to those affected, by communities across Leicestershire, football and the wider world will never be forgotten. As we near the fifth anniversary of the accident, the families and loved ones of Khun Vichai, Kaveporn, Nusara, Eric and Izabela remain always in our thoughts, as those we lost remain always in our hearts.

“As a Club, we continue to feel the loss of Khun Vichai, who loved his Club, the city it calls home and the communities it represents. Our ongoing commitment to Khun Vichai’s vision, led with the same passion and devotion by Khun Aiyawatt and the Srivaddhanaprabha family, will be our lasting tribute to the memory of those we lost, and a reflection of the ambition, dedication and sense of community that brought us all together under Khun Vichai’s leadership.”