Chinook Helicopters: Accidents

(asked on 10th November 2025) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the loss of Chinook ZD576 on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994, for what reason the Full Authority Digital Engine Control system of the RAF Chinook fleet at that time was (a) accepted off-contract without verification of the Safety Critical Software and (b) without a Certificate of Design and Performance; and whether the his Department's Independent Safety Assurance Authority raised any concerns regarding its implementation.


Answered by
Louise Sandher-Jones Portrait
Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
This question was answered on 18th November 2025

Our deepest sympathies remain with the bereaved families of this tragic accident. I refer the hon. Member to The Mull of Kintyre Review published in 2011, specifically pages 17-18, which covers this aspect of the detailed inquiries into the tragic loss of Chinook ZD 576.

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