HC Deb 21 May 1991 vol 191 cc400-1W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what restrictions apply to aircraft flying from Ards airport over the residential areas of Strangford Heights, Morstan Park and Bowtown road in Newtownards; whether any new restrictions have been applied to flight paths at this location in the past five years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

The rules applying to all civil aircraft in respect of the overflight of residential areas are contained in the Rules of the Air Regulations 1990. Essentially these prohibit any aircraft from flying over such areas below either a height which will enable it to alight clear of the area in the event of an engine failure on a single-engined aircraft or a height of 1,500 ft whichever is the higher, unless the aircraft is taking off or landing in accordance with normal aviation practice. These rules are applied by the Civil Aviation Authority, which has the statutory responsibility for the safety regulation of United Kingdom civil aviation and I am advised by the CAA that there have been no significant changes over the past five years.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether any agent on behalf of his Department inspected the light aircraft which crashed at Morstan Park in Newtownards on 14 May 1991, before the removal of the damaged aeroplane.

Mr. Rifkind

Following the initial notification of the accident, the air accidents investigation branch gave permission for the damaged light aircraft to be removed from the accident site. AAIB inspectors did not examine the aircraft before its removal.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what form of inquiry will be held to investigate the crash of a light aircraft at Morston Park, Newtownards, on Tuesday 14 May; when the inquiry will commence; who will preside at the inquiry; whether local residents of the Morston Park/Strangford Heights area of Newtownards will be invited to give evidence; whether the inquiry will be in public; whether the report of the inquiry will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

The air accidents investigation branch is investigating the circumstances of the accident to the light aircraft at Morston Park, Newtownards on Tuesday 14 May. The inquiry commenced on 15 May 1991 and is being conducted by an inspector of air accidents. Any person with evidence concerning the circumstances of the accident is invited to contact the chief inspector of air accidents. The inquiry will not be held in public but the circumstances will be published in an AAIB bulletin.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the various accidents and crashes involving aircraft in the vicinity of Newtownards during the past five years.

Mr. Rifkind

The Civil Aviation Authority's safety data and analysis unit records show that there have been 10 reportable accidents in the vicinity of Newtownards in the past five years. All have involved light aircraft.