The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others has been officially concluded as an accident by a coroner’s inquest. The accident, which took place on October 27, 2018, shocked the football world and the city of Leicester, where Srivaddhanaprabha was a beloved figure.
The inquest, which lasted several weeks, concluded that the crash was caused by a mechanical failure. Investigators found that the helicopter’s tail rotor control system malfunctioned, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent crash. The helicopter, a AgustaWestland AW169, had taken off from the King Power Stadium following Leicester City’s match against West Ham United before plummeting to the ground in a nearby car park.
Along with Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the victims of the crash included his two colleagues, Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, as well as the pilot, Eric Swaffer, and his partner, Izabela Lechowicz, who was also a flight crew member. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, all five individuals perished in the accident.
An investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) had already established that a catastrophic failure of the helicopter’s tail rotor caused the incident. The investigation highlighted that a key mechanical component of the tail rotor system had disconnected mid-flight, resulting in the helicopter spinning out of control and crashing.
The inquest, presided over by Coroner Catherine Mason, heard emotional testimony from the families of the victims. They described their grief and the impact the loss of their loved ones had on their lives. Legal teams representing the families of the victims expressed their gratitude for the thorough investigation and the clarity that the inquest has provided regarding the cause of the tragedy.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who had been a major figure in the Thai business world, had transformed Leicester City Football Club into a symbol of success, including their extraordinary 2015-2016 Premier League title win. Srivaddhanaprabha’s philanthropy and love for the club made him a cherished figure, not just for Leicester City fans, but for the local community in general. His loss, alongside the other victims, has left a permanent mark on the city and the footballing world.
In response to the inquest’s conclusion, Leicester City released a statement saying: Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives that night. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s legacy will continue to inspire all of us at Leicester City Football Club, and we will always remember the profound impact he had on our club and our community.
The inquest’s findings confirm what many had suspected: the crash was a tragic accident with no evidence of foul play or intentional harm. While the findings bring a sense of closure, the pain of losing such influential individuals will likely linger for years to come.
As the investigation drew to a close, the focus now shifts to ensuring that improvements are made to helicopter safety, particularly in the areas of mechanical maintenance and emergency protocols. The incident has already led to increased scrutiny of helicopter safety standards, and further investigations are expected to lead to new regulations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The families of those lost in the crash have expressed their ongoing support for efforts to make air travel safer for all. They have also called for continued remembrance of their loved ones and for their legacies to be honored in meaningful ways, with several charitable initiatives already underway in their names.
Though the inquest has offered the official explanation for what occurred, the memory of the lives lost in that tragic moment continues to resonate, especially with the Leicester City community, who will always remember their beloved owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
