§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the level of airworthiness of the RAF Chinook HC2 fleet at the time of the fatal accident on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994. [64563]
§ Mr. IngramIn November 1993, the Chinook Mk 2 fleet had been given an interim Controller Aircraft (CA) release, permitting the aircraft to be operated at a maximum all-up weight of 18,000 kg. This would have enabled the aircraft to be safely operated on one engine. On 1 March 1994 this weight limit was increased to 22,700 kg when using under-slung-loads. The fleet was given these flight clearances as the Ministry of Defence had no doubts about its safe operation.