Hampshire family call for public inquiry into Chinook crash
The family of Major Gary Sparks, who was killed in the 1994 Chinook crash, will be delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street today
The family of a Hampshire man who lost their father in a Chinook helicopter crash are calling for a public inquiry into what happened.
Major Gary Sparks was one of 29 killed in 1994 and today, his family will be delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street.
The Ministry of Defence have sealed documents on the case for 100 years.
Lucy Sparks, Major Sparks' daughter, said: "We've gone 31 years since the crash without having clarity on the circumstances.
"The impact of having no answers for the last 31 years has been particularly difficult amongst the backdrop of grief.
"I was only two years old when I lost my dad and obviously had to grow up without a father, as did my brother and sister and many other children of the Chinook, too.
"So, we're looking for answers and whilst the grief will never go away, that will go a long way in terms of ensuring that we get what we want and we get justice for our family members."
The petition has reached over 47,000 signatures, with the campaign group hoping to reach 50,000.
Ms Sparks added: "The petition is about our campaign's ask for a judge-led public inquiry into the crash that killed my dad along with 28 other people in June 1994.
"The Ministry of Defence have locked up documents for 100 years until 2094, long after many of us will be gone.
"My daughter, who's two now, will be in her 70s, a granddaughter of the Chinook.
"All of the spouses, all of the children will be gone by that point."
The Ministry of Defence says it's unlikely a public inquiry would reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence.