1985 Chinook crash family demands truth after decades of unanswered questions
The family of a victim in the 1985 Chinook helicopter crash has again criticised the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to provide answers. Nicola Rawcliffe, whose brother Chris died in the disaster, accused officials of neglecting the truth despite multiple investigations.
Her father spent decades pushing for a full explanation before his death, leaving the campaign in her hands.
The crash, which killed 29 people including Chris Rawcliffe, was initially blamed on pilot error. That verdict was overturned in 2011 after years of campaigning. Since then, two further reviews—a 2011 Board of Inquiry and a 2017 expert panel—have taken place.
Yet campaigners argue that key questions remain unanswered. Nicola Rawcliffe condemned the MoD for allowing another family member to die without resolution, calling the government's response disgraceful. Her father had fought for 32 years to clear his son's name before passing away.
In December, campaigners met with ministers to demand a full accounting. They are now set to meet victims minister Alex Davies-Jones this Wednesday to push for further action. The MoD maintains that six separate inquiries, including an independent judge-led review, have already examined the crash.
The crash's cause remains disputed despite repeated investigations. Campaigners continue to press for transparency, with another meeting scheduled this week. The MoD insists all necessary reviews have been completed, but the family insists unanswered questions persist.
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