Pilots in helicopter death were 'highly skilled'

The helicopter had been landing at the helipad at Derriford Hospital on 4 March 2022

The pilots who were flying a helicopter involved in the death of a woman at a hospital in Devon were very experienced and skilled, an inquest has heard.

Jean Langan, 87, died from her injuries after being "blown over" by a rapid change in air - also known as downwash - from a search and rescue helicopter landing at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on 4 March 2022.

The inquest at Exeter Coroner's Court heard the pilots had both served in the Royal Navy and altogether had 12,000 hours of flying experience.

Retired coroner Ian Arrow dismissed the jury after members recorded the death an accident. The hearing continues as Mr Arrow has still to record a final conclusion.

Communication issues

The hearing was previously told Mrs Langan died from head injuries after falling backwards due to the aircraft's downwash.

Air Accident Investigation Branch investigator Richard James told the inquest on Monday the communication between helicopter operators and the hospital was not effective.

He said this was not just an issue at Derriford Hospital, but nationally, and plans to improve communications were under way.

In giving further evidence on Tuesday, Mr James told the jury it was unlikely the pilots - who he described as "highly experienced" and "highly skilled" - would have seen Mrs Langan being blown over.

The inquest heard Derriford's helipad had been operating for seven years with 2,500 landings - 140 involving search and rescue helicopters - before her death.

Large helicopters were banned from landing there after her death, Mr James said.

Dismissing the jury, Mr Arrow said its members found the retired civil servant had been "struck over" by the helicopter as it was landing in an accident.

The inquest continues on Wednesday, with more witnesses and experts still due to give and submit evidence.