HC Deb 21 May 1991 vol 191 c454W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instigate a full inquiry into the crash of a Sea Harrier into a hillside at Wentwood. Gwent, on the morning of 10 May.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

It is standard procedure to convene a naval board of inquiry following an accident involving the loss of a Royal Navy aircraft. This inquiry will determine the cause of the accident and make recommendations on any lessons that may be learnt.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the flying pattern of the Sea Harrier that crashed into a hillside at Caerwent on 10 May, prior to the crash.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The aircraft was one of a group of three conducting a routine low-level reconnaissance sortie. The details of the accident are still being reviewed by a board of inquiry.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Sea Harrier that crashed at Wentwood, Gwent, on 10 May was on a low-flying exercise.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

Yes.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish details of any emergency landing areas in Gwent that are recommended for use by aircraft in emergencies.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

No emergency landing areas for military aircraft are specifically designated in Gwent. In any emergency it would be the reponsibility of the aircraft's captain to select the airfield most suited to deal with his particular circumstances. Details of military and civil airfields and emergency facilities are regularly promulgated.