Inquiry into Clutha helicopter crash opens
Seven customers in the pub and three people on board the aircraft were killed when the aircraft crashed through the roof of the building in November 2013.
The fatal accident inquiry into the Clutha helicopter tragedy which claimed 10 lives opens today.
The pilot, two crew members and seven customers in the Glasgow pub were killed when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed on to the roof of the building on November 29 2013.
A minute's silence was held in memory of those who died after Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull made his opening remarks at the inquiry, which is taking place in a temporary court at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Personal statements about some of those who died will also be read out in tribute to them.
Statements will be read on behalf of customers Gary Arthur, Robert Jenkins, Samuel McGhee and Colin Gibson, while John McGarrigle's son is expected to provide one and Mark O'Prey's family are still considering the matter.
There will be no personal statements on behalf of pilot David Traill or crew members Tony Collins and Kirsty Nelis, while relatives of Joe Cusker have not indicated whether they wish to give one.
The sheriff has said that families can provide a statement at any point before the end of the inquiry if they so wish.
The purpose of the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is to determine the cause of the deaths, establish whether they could have been prevented, and enable the sheriff to make recommendations which could prevent fatalities in similar circumstances.
More than 100 people were at the Clutha Vaults pub when the helicopter, returning to its base on the banks of the River Clyde, crashed through the roof.
An Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) report published in 2015 found two fuel supply switches were off and the pilot did not follow emergency procedures after a fuel warning in the cockpit.
The Crown Office has previously said there is insufficient evidence for criminal proceedings.
Fifty-seven Crown witnesses are expected to give evidence at the inquiry, down from a previous estimate of 85.
Police have taken more than 2,000 statements as part of preparations for the FAI, while the Crown has around 1,400 productions.
The inquiry, is expected to involve around three months of evidence spread over six calendar months this year.
The first person to give evidence was eyewitness Andrew Bergin.
The 30-year-old solicitor from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, told how he was walking by the riverside on the night in question.
He said of the helicopter: As it got 7 o'clock, over my left shoulder it made a spluttering sound.
When I first started to watch there was nothing particular about it. I suppose I liked to watch it go past.
It made what I can only describe as a spluttering noise. It wasn't any lower than I would have seen it before.
The tail of the helicopter dipped and pointed to the ground. Simultaneously, the light on the helicopter went out.
It seemed to me that the rota stopped spinning. It was still turning, but not under power.
It seemed to immediately lose height as soon as the spluttering occurred.
Everything happened more or less at the same time.''
In statements read out earlier, Kerry McGhee described her father Samuel McGhee as a hard worker who was very sociable'' withmany friends''.
A statement for Colin Gibson's family said: If you were lucky enough to meet him, you knew you had as he left a lasting impression on you.
Ever since he was a young boy he enjoyed helping people.
He had never visited the Clutha bar before. Colin just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.''
The sisters of Gary Arthur told the inquiry in a statement: He was caring, loving and could also be annoying in our younger years.
He was a joker and he continued to be a loving rogue throughout his life.
Nothing will ever bring our brother back, but hopefully we will finally be given the chance to find closure.
We want to remember Gary as a much-loved person and not just a victim of the Clutha.''
Witness Brian Stewart was on Dyer's Lane at the time of the helicopter crash.
The 40-year-old electric production operator, from Glasgow, said: I had heard a noise coming from it. It was kind of like when you stall your car when you have it in the wrong gear and it struggles, kind of like that.
I noticed the flashing light underneath, it seemed to be slowing down as it fell out of the sky.
The engine started cutting. It happened a couple of times, then it fell behind the building in front of me on Turnbull Street.
That's where I last seen it.''
The inquiry has been adjourned for the day.