News
Pilot Could Do ‘Very Little’ To Stop Leicester City Helicopter Crash
The pilot of the helicopter that crashed outside Leicester City’s stadium, killing five people including its chairman, said “I’ve no idea what’s going on” as it spun out of control.
Eric Swaffer, 53, made the comment before the helicopter hit the ground outside the King Power Stadium on 27 October 2018.
The final report into the crash has now been published.
It concluded the pilot could do “very little” to save those on board.
The crash claimed the lives of Leicester City chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, two members of his staff – Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare – and pilots and partners Mr Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)’s final report said a tail rotor bearing seized, which in turn caused the crash.
The AAIB said the crash was “inevitable” after a sequence of mechanical failures.
Chief inspector of air accidents at the AAIB, Crispin Orr, said Mr Swaffer did what he could to control the Leonardo AW169 helicopter, but the catastrophic failure in a bearing in the tail rotor resulted in the aircraft making a sharp right turn.
As the helicopter – which had reached an altitude of about 430ft (131m) – was turning out of control, a shout of “hey, hey, hey” came from the rear cabin, where Mr Vichai and his employees were seated, the AAIB said.
In aircraft voice recordings, Mr Swaffer was heard to say: “I’ve no idea what’s going on”, shortly before the helicopter crashed into a concrete step.
Inspectors said four of the passengers survived the impact of the crash, but a fire that was caused by a “significant” fuel leak, proved fatal.
Four first responders were treated for injuries caused by the heat of the fire after they attempted to rescue those inside the helicopter.
The report added two police officers who arrived at the scene one minute after the crash tried to smash the helicopter’s windscreen with their batons, but failed.
Mr Orr said: “This was a tragic accident in which five people sadly lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones, and everyone affected.”
It has taken almost five years to complete the 209-page final report, after what the AAIB previously called a “technically very complex” investigation.
Authorities from Canada, France, Italy and the US were also involved in the investigation because of where various significant components were manufactured.
The investigation discovered a worn bearing on the tail rotor had seized after the helicopter took off.
The shaft that controlled the tail rotor then unscrewed and became detached as a result, which in turn caused the helicopter to spin out of the pilot’s control.
The AAIB report stated the helicopter complied with “all applicable airworthiness requirements” and had been maintained correctly before the crash.
The wear on the rotor bearing was also found to have built up over a period of time and could not have been predicted, according to the inspectors.
Examination of the bearing was only required once it had been used for 400 hours, but the helicopter had only been flown for 331 hours when the crash occurred.
One of the “contributory factors” was that regulations do not require maintenance checks to review the condition of used bearings against their original design, the AAIB said.
Drone involvement and pilot error were ruled out.
The AAIB has made eight safety recommendations to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a result of its investigation to “address weaknesses or omissions” in regulations for certifying large helicopters.
‘Never be forgotten’
The crash occurred just over an hour after a Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United.
It sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes across the UK and abroad, with Leicester’s players travelling to Thailand for Mr Vichai’s funeral.
A statue of Mr Vichai was unveiled at the club in 2022, with the former chairman replaced by his son Khun Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha.
In a statement published on Wednesday, Leicester City chief executive Susan Whelan said the club commended “the extensive and detailed body of work undertaken” by the AAIB, and hopes it “will contribute positively to the continued development of future aviation standards and safety”.
“The tragic events of 27 October, 2018, will forever be etched into the memory of the Leicester City family. It was a night we experienced the devastating loss of our beloved chairman, friends, colleagues, and family members,” she said.
“Yet, in our grief, a sense of unity and strength was forged. The extraordinary support and kindness that was extended to those affected, by communities across Leicestershire, football and the wider world will never be forgotten.”
itel, the technology empowerment brand for masses, officially unveiled its new product A300+, brand’s first interactive dual-screen smartphone in its price range. itel A300+ comes with a comprehensive set of features — a 7000mAh marathon battery, IP65 military-grade durability, and satellite communication capability, demonstrating that innovation and complete product strength can coexist at an accessible price point.
A First-of-Its-Kind Rear Screen Experience: Interactive Innovation for a New Generation
itel A300+ coming with an interactive rear display is a rare feature in this price category, designed to deliver a smart entertainment experience for young generations. Far from being a cosmetic gimmick, the rear screen provides practical functions built around real everyday scenarios. Users can frame selfies using the higher-quality rear camera with a live preview on the back screen, glance at incoming messages and alerts without waking the main display, and play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the rear screen. The rear display also supports customizable clocks, photos, and designs, giving users a personal window to express their individual style. Complementing the rear screen, the A300+ features a 6.78-inch immersive punch-hole main display, offering a cleaner, more expansive viewing experience for streaming, gaming, browsing, and social media.
Performance and Value in Balance: Delivering Fresh Technology Despite Industry Pressure
Even amid rising industry costs, itel has chosen to bring fresh technology to its products while continuously improving performance and keeping pricing accessible. The A300+ is powered by a 7000mAh marathon battery engineered for long-term reliability, supporting up to 1,200 charging cycles — far exceeding the industry standard, and designed to retain healthy capacity. AI Charging Protection intelligently manages charging patterns to reduce battery degradation, while Smart Power Management optimizes power consumption across apps and hardware to extend usage time between charges.
The device also features 300% ultra-volume DTS stereo speakers, delivering rich, room-filling sound for music, videos, FM radio, and everyday entertainment. Built to withstand daily life and beyond, the A300+ carries IP65 water and dust resistance certification and meets military-grade durability standards, resisting splashes, dust, and accidental drops. Notably, the A300+ includes satellite communication capability, ensuring users can still send basic messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable — a safety net in remote areas, during natural disasters, or in other critical situations, setting it apart in its price segment.
The A300+ is built on a clear product philosophy, rather than relying on a single headline feature, it combines its key strengths into one complete product story. The rear screen captures attention first, while battery life, durability, and practical usability make the overall value proposition convincing. With the A300+, itel once again demonstrates its commitment to using innovation to meet the needs and desire for novelty among young users in emerging markets.
The itel A300+ is available in two variants: the 64GB ROM and 128GB ROM and they are both available in all phone retail stores in Nigeria or via online store HERE
DJ ROBOT teams up with TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH for NDSM DELUXE, a new DJ mixtape that expands the world of NDSM — No Dey Stress Me into a bigger, more energetic listening experience.
Built around DJ ROBOT’s approach to sequencing, mixing, and controlling energy, NDSM DELUXE transforms the NDSM mindset into a full sonic journey. The mixtape explores nightlife, pressure, temptation, confidence, freedom, desire, and the decision to simply refuse to let life overwhelm you.
Bringing together DJ ROBOT’s DJ-driven vision with the creative energy of TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH, the deluxe edition adds new dimensions to the original NDSM message while maintaining its central philosophy: No Dey Stress Me.
Rather than simply extending the original project, NDSM DELUXE is designed as an experience — moving through different moods, rhythms, and moments while allowing each transition to contribute to the story.
For DJ ROBOT, the project represents an opportunity to communicate through energy as much as words.
“The original NDSM had more energy and stories to explore. I wanted to take the ‘No Dey Stress Me’ mindset beyond the song and turn it into a full DJ experience — something that captures nightlife, freedom, pressure, temptation, and the moments when you simply choose to enjoy yourself and live in the present.”
Listen below;
Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.
Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.
More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.
With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.
‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.
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