Investigation Finds Tampering Occurred While Helo On Public Display

Officials say a side door that fell off a Royal Air Force Merlin helicopter into a crowd of spectators during the Salthill Air Show in Ireland showed signs of tampering. The door fell 150 feet shortly after take off and struck three people who suffered minor injuries.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) at the Department of Transport issued a preliminary report that said the emergency lock on the door had been opened prior to takeoff.

AAIU chief inspector Jurgen Whyte said the door and the lock both were fully airworthy, but a member of the public had tampered with them when viewing the helicopter while it was on display, according to Press Association Ltd.

He denied any technical failure.

As ANN reported, the incident occurred in the seaside resort of Salthill near County Galway on Ireland's west coast. Witnesses reported the EH-101 Merlin transport helicopter was hovering at about 100 feet over a hotel, just after the air show had concluded, when a side door came off and fell into the crowd, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Witness Liam McBurney told reporters panic ensued as about 100 people bolted from the area.

"The door fell off and was just like a piece of paper floating in the wind," he said.

FMI: www.aaiu.ie