Inquiry into camera operator's fatal mid-air crash

Dan Burton was taking part in a conservation project when the accident happened

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a camera operator following a mid-air crash in the Highlands.

Dan Burton, from Devon, died during a bid to circumnavigate Britain by paramotor in September 2021.

The 54-year-old was supporting Australian conservationist Sacha Dench, who was seriously injured in the crash.

Police Scotland said at the time of the accident that their paramotors collided close to Loch Na Gainmhich near Lochinver in Sutherland.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed a fatal accident inquiry will place.

A preliminary hearing is set for Friday at Tain Sheriff Court in Easter Ross.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks said: “The death of Dan Burton occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.  

“Mr Burton’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”

FAIs are held to determine a cause of death and establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise risks.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame. 

Mr Burton and Ms Dench were making their flight for Devon-based charity Conservation Without Borders.

The pair were flying the battery-powered paramotors to mark the Glasgow COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow that was held later in 2021.