McRae air crash ruled as avoidable

FORMER world rally champion Colin McRae engaged in “unnecessary and unsafe” low-level flying before an avoidable helicopter crash which killed him, two children and another man.

A fatal accident inquiry found McRae had been “imprudent” in embarking on demanding manoeuvres in difficult terrain, “contrary to the principles of good airmanship”.

Sheriff Nikola Stewart confirmed the rally driver did not hold a valid flying licence and should not have been flying the aircraft.