Fatal crash helicopter was flying too 'fast and low' Three killed in Army training aircraft tragedy.

Byline: Ben Glaze

AN AIRMAN died because an RAF helicopter pilot flew "dangerously fast and low", an inquiry has found.

Sergeant Philip Burfoot, 27, of Penylan, Cardiff, was killed when the pounds 20m Puma aircraft in which he was travelling plummeted to the ground near Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire two years ago.

The former St Teilo's CW High pupil died alongside Flight Lieutenant David Sale, 28, who was flying the 170mph Puma, and Army trainee Private Sean Tait, 17.

Nine other passengers survived the crash when the helicopter plunged into a field next to the Army Training Centre at Hudswell Grange, Catterick.

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to take no further action in the case. But an expert said the pilot of the aircraft, ZA934, would have faced criminal charges had he survived.

Witnesses saw the Puma flying low and fast at Catterick before it pulled up, then crashed, the joint police and RAF inquiry revealed.

The crew of a twin-rotor Chinook had earlier radioed the Puma crew and warned them to "calm down".

An RAF source told the Sun newspaper an inquiry found Flt Lt Sale was to blame for the tragedy, adding: "There was no mechanical failure."

The Puma was sent to Catterick, the British Army's main training base, to teach young soldiers how to safely operate with the helicopters which would deploy them into battlegrounds such as Afghanistan.

Sgt Burfoot's parents Geraldine and Colin live in Llanedeyrn Road, Penylan, and his older brother, Matthew, was also in the RAF at the time Sgt Burfoot died.

His aunt is Penylan Liberal Democrat councillor Tricia Burfoot and he had a younger sister, 27-year-old Erica.

Speaking in August 2007, his family revealed he had only been in his current role as a loadmaster for four months before he was killed.

He joined the service when he was 19 as a ground technician, and started with the Air Loadmaster branch after completing aircrew training.

His cousin Andrew Burfoot said: "Phillip loved the active lifestyle and opportunities given to him while serving in the RAF.

"During his service, he made many friends throughout the country, and what meant most to him was the camaraderie with his fellow servicemen.

"He will be deeply missed by his family, whose thoughts are also with the families of those involved in the accident."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said last night: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of Pte Tait, Flt Lt Sale, Sgt Burfoot and all those who were injured in this incident.

"The RAF authorities will decide whether internal action should be taken once evidence is received from North Yorkshire Police.

"It is not appropriate to comment further while an internal investigation is under way."

An inquest into the deaths is due to be heard on October 5 when aviation and military experts will give evidence to a coroner.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Following an extensive and detailed investigation by North Yorkshire Police, assisted by officers from the MoD Police, the RAF Special Investigation Branch and with specialist advice from the RAF and the Royal Navy, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for its consideration.

"We have now heard from the CPS which has advised it will not be taking any further action in relation to the crash.

"During the course of the investigation North Yorkshire Police made recommendations for action to the RAF."

The Burfoot family declined to comment.

CAPTION(S):

The scene of the helicopter crash near Catterick, North Yorkshire, Cardiff, died in August 2007. An inquiry has said the aircraft's pilot where Sergeant Phillip Burfoot (left), of Penylan, flew 'dangerously fast and low'