Inquiry into Clutha helicopter crash confirmed to start April 2019

The inquiry into the Clutha helicopter tragedy will begin on April 8 next year the Sheriff Principal presiding over the inquiry has confirmed.

A second preliminary hearing was held at Hampden Park ahead of the inquiry next year, which is thought could last around six months.

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull said "The inquiry will commence on Monday April 8 and will sit on April 8 until 10 then adjourn until April 17."

He listed the dates that it will sit including through the full months of July and August, with exception of July 15.

The hearing was told that beyond August, the dates will be revisited nearer the time.

At the outset of the hearing, the names of those who tragically died were read out.

The helicopter crew who were killed in the crash were pilot David Traill, PC Tony Collins and PC Kirsty Nelis.

Seven customers in the Clutha pub also died. They were John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins, Samuel McGhee and Joe Cusker.

Advocate depute Sean Smith QC said that before the inquiry starts, the Crown intend to narrow down their current witness list and is working on separating evidence that will be lead in to different chapters.

The hearing was told that some of those being represented at the inquiry are waiting on legal aid being confirmed.

Sheriff Principal Turnbull set a further hearing in January for those with outstanding legal aid applications to update the court.

He ordered that documents are lodged by deadlines set, and that the next preliminary hearing will take place in February 2009.