Broken gear system caused fatal helicopter crash

Engine failure caused by a broken gear system led to a helicopter crash which claimed the life of a gas pipeline inspector in Co Clare last month, a report revealed today.

Frederick Balcombe, 69, from Skerries, Co Dublin, was with a colleague on a low-level survey flight for Bord Gais when it crashed into a field near the village of Ballynacally, about 10 miles from Ennis.