Ex-RAF Pilot Robert Burke Dies Aged 86

Robert Burke, a former RAF chief test pilot, has died aged 86. Mr Burke was a significant supporter of the campaign to clear the names of pilots blamed for the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter crash. He passed away on October 26 following a short illness, as confirmed by the Chinook Justice Campaign.

The helicopter crash on June 2, 1994, resulted in the deaths of 25 intelligence experts and four special forces crew. The aircraft was en route from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Fort George near Inverness when it crashed on the Mull of Kintyre. Following the incident, pilots Flight Lieutenants Richard Cook and Jonathan Tapper were accused of gross negligence. This verdict was eventually overturned 17 years later.

Challenging the Official Account

Mr Burke's evidence was instrumental in challenging the Ministry of Defence's account of the disaster. Campaigners stated that he exposed serious concerns regarding the aircraft's airworthiness. Chris Cook, whose brother Flight Lieutenant Richard Cook was one of the pilots, said Mr Burke was an officer of great integrity. Mr Cook added that Mr Burke's knowledge, experience, and witness testimony were critical in the long campaign to clear the pilots' names.

Susan Phoenix, whose husband Ian died in the crash, paid tribute to Mr Burke. She stated that he knew vital questions remained unanswered and that families deserved better. Ms Phoenix added that the greatest tribute to him would be to continue the fight to ensure the evidence he uncovered is examined and that the MoD does not mark its own homework.

Mr Burke's death follows that of other campaigners and experts who challenged the official account, including aeronautical engineer David Hill and campaigner John Dockerty, whose son Chris died in the crash. Nicola Rawcliffe, daughter of John Dockerty, described Mr Burke as a lynchpin of their campaign over three decades and stated that his death was another devastating blow.

Legal Claims and Campaign for Review

In recent months, a High Court judge in London ruled that some families of those who died in the crash were unable to bring a legal claim against the Ministry of Defence. Campaigners are now urging the Prime Minister to order a fresh review into the incident, independent of the MoD. A petition calling for this review has been established at change.org/JusticeForThe29, and over 50,000 people have already signed it.