Final words of crash pilot revealed

Published on 24/01/2013 00:22

THE final words of a pilot killed in a helicopter crash in central London were revealed yesterday.

Pete Barnes, 50, died from multiple injuries when the aircraft he was flying clipped a crane on the Tower, at Vauxhall, south London, last week.

Pedestrian Matthew Wood, 39, was also killed.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch revealed the pilot had a radio conversation with air traffic control seconds before the crash. Mr Barnes asked to land at London Heliport in Battersea.

He said: “Is Battersea open, do you know?”

On being told it was, he replied: “If I could head to Battersea that would be very useful.” Just 15 seconds before he hit the crane, air traffic control told the pilot: “Battersea diversion approved, you’re cleared to Battersea.”

His final words were: “Thanks a lot.”