LONDON — The largest fatal accident claim in English legal history has been filed today at the High Court against helicopter manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A., following the death of Leicester City Football Club’s former Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, in a 2018 crash.
The claim alleges Leonardo S.p.A.’s liability in the accident that claimed five lives when the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Leicester City’s King Power Stadium in October 2018.
A comprehensive Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report, published in September 2023, highlighted critical safety concerns about the aircraft. The 209-page document revealed that the crash resulted from the seizure of a crucial tail rotor component, which Leonardo had previously identified as critical during the design phase.
The legal action contends that Leonardo failed to implement a key design modification in the accident helicopter – one that was present in other variants and could have potentially prevented the fatal crash. Additionally, the claim states that the manufacturer neglected to warn customers and regulators about the known risks.
According to the AAIB findings, the pilot had no control over preventing the accident, which led to an uncontrollable spin before the helicopter crashed and burst into flames.
The £2.15 billion claim seeks compensation for lost earnings and other damages resulting from Khun Vichai’s death. His son and current Leicester City Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, emphasized the family’s ongoing grief and their decision to pursue legal action based on the AAIB’s conclusions.
The Srivaddhanaprabha family has engaged Stewarts, a leading aviation law firm, along with specialist King’s Counsel Philip Shepherd and Harry Steinberg to represent their interests.
Peter Neenan, a partner at Stewarts, who is representing the family said:
“The foundation of the claim brought against Leonardo is the independent AAIB report released in September 2023.
Considering the purview of the AAIB’s mission is to report on safety and not to blame, the report was as damning a report as I have ever read. The claim takes that safety-driven analysis to its eventual implication in allegations of defects and negligence throughout the design process.
“Leonardo’s customers include national militaries, air ambulances and other first responders across the globe. It is critical that all operators of these helicopters have faith and confidence in the machines.”
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