Helicopter probe into 'ship landing'

The helicopter flipped over on its side

BBC Scotland has learned that an investigation into a helicopter accident is focusing on the ship it was attempting to land on.

The helicopter toppled over after it landed on a drilling ship to the west of Shetland, and a result one of the crew suffered a broken leg.

Now BBC Scotland has learned that the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) is focusing on the failure of a navigational system on the West Navion ship last month.

The incident, involving a Super Puma helicopter, happened on a routine flight to transport oil workers.

The inquiry is focusing on the ship

An AAIB bulletin reveals that five minutes after the aircraft touched down on the helideck the ship's Dynamic Position System (DPS) lost control of its heading.

DPS is a computerised system which uses signals from satellites to keep a ship on a steady course or in a precise location.

The West Navion began to drift slowly to the right and developed a list of one degree to starboard.

The helicopter then toppled over to the right. Its rotors struck the helideck and debris were sent flying.

The co-pilot was struck and suffered a broken leg.

The drilling ship is owned by Norwegian company Smedveg and is operated by BP.

The investigation is continuing.