Chopper 'rebuilt' before tragedy.

A HELICOPTER which crashed killing two on board was dismantled and rebuilt three months before the tragedy, an inquiry has heard.

The Bell Jet Ranger had been subject to a major overhaul.

Pilot Phil Ward, 48, and gas pipeline observer Eddie Lapsley, 56, died when it went down in December 2005.

The two-seater "fell apart" before crashing 200ft into a field near Coupar Angus, Perthshire.

Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry at Perth Sheriff Court was told the chopper had been stripped down that September.

Sidney Simpson, 62, revealed "substantial damage" was found during the "Star Annual" check and work was needed to keep the helicopter airworthy.

The director of HJS Helicopters, who leased the aircraft out, said of the check: "It's rather like an MoT but grander, obviously, because it is a helicopter."

Mr Simpson said the main "bathtub" was sent away for repair, while other parts stayed at their Aberdeenshire base.

He added that when they got the aircraft back, it was "in many, many bits" and "basically had to be reconstructed".

Sub-contractor George Fell was hired to get the Jet Ranger operational.

Mr Simpson said he did not know ex-Naval engineer Mr Fell but he came "recommended" and had 26 years' experience.

Mr Simpson also said there would have been a check of the chopper prior to its first flight.

Capt Ward, from Glasgow, and Mr Lapsley, from Gateshead, had been checking gas pipelines.

The inquiry was told Mr Fell is unwell and won't be able to give evidence for several weeks.

The hearing, before Sheriff Lindsay Foulis, was adjourned.