January 13th 2025.
On October 27, 2018, a tragic incident occurred at Leicester City's stadium. The helicopter that was carrying five people, including Leicester City's owner Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, spun out of control, crashed to the ground, and burst into flames. Among the victims was the pilot, Eric Swaffer, who was at the controls of the aircraft. The other occupants were Mr. Swaffer's partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz, and passengers Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare.
Today, an inquest into their deaths began at Leicester Coroners' Court, and it is expected to last between two to three weeks. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Mr. Swaffer had done everything in his power to prevent the tragedy. In fact, just seconds before the helicopter hit the ground, he had exclaimed, "I've no idea what's going on."
The jury was shown an animation of the mechanical failure that caused the crash. According to Air Accidents Investigation Branch principle inspector Mark Jarvis, a duplex bearing on the tail rotor had become seized and locked when Mr. Swaffer attempted to make a right-hand turn over the stadium. This resulted in the actuator control shaft spinning at a high speed, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft.
Mr. Jarvis explained, "Our conclusion was that the pilot had done everything in his power to try to avoid and correct the situation he found himself in. The forces felt by the pilot are extreme and extremely disorientating." The inquest also heard that a police sergeant, who arrived at the scene within seconds, attempted to access the helicopter through the windscreen using a baton. However, the structure was designed to withstand a bird-strike at a speed of 180mph, and special equipment was needed to break through it.
The court was also shown stills from a police bodycam and dashcam, which captured the helicopter engulfed in flames. An officer was seen returning to his vehicle to retrieve a fire extinguisher. Among those who gave evidence was Jon Rudkin, the director of football at Leicester City. He tearfully recalled walking Khun Vichai to the helicopter, which had landed in the stadium earlier that evening. He watched as the chairman boarded, waved, and gave a thumbs up before takeoff.
Mr. Rudkin said, "Once we heard that the chairman had not survived the accident, it was a complete shock. This was felt across the football club, the fans, the community, and worldwide. He made such an impact on football." He added, "You could see the outpouring that then went in relation to outside the stadium. I can't imagine what it was like for the family."
The court also heard from Khun Vichai's family, who paid tribute to him through their barrister Philip Shepherd KC. In a statement, they said, "We feel the loss of him as much today as we have ever done. He was a good man with a good heart. He was a great inspiration to us all, and we all loved him very much." They described him as a kind, generous, charming, and intelligent person who left a remarkable impression on the football club and the city.
The families of the other victims also shared their memories and tributes. Ms. Lechowicz's sister, Kate, remembered her as an extraordinary individual who shared her love of aviation with her partner, Mr. Swaffer. She said, "He was great company and had a profound love for aviation, technology, travel, his motorbike, and life in general." Mr. Punpare's wife, who described her late husband as a butler to Khun Vichai, said he would be missed by his family every day.
The family of Ms. Suknamai, a former Miss Thailand contestant, also released a statement, calling her the "pillar" of their family. They said, "This is the greatest loss for the family. We will never forget it." It was also revealed that Khun Vichai's family has filed a £2.15 billion legal claim against Leonardo S.p.A., the manufacturer of the helicopter, holding them liable for his death.
The inquest continues as the families and the football community mourn the loss of these remarkable individuals. They will always be remembered for the impact they made and the love they shared with those around them.
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