Hislop probe looks at MoD flights

Steve Hislop died in a helicopter crash four years ago

A fatal accident inquiry into the death of motorbike champion Steve Hislop will look into military flying in the area at the time his helicopter crashed.

It has been announced the investigation will start on the 11 December at Jedburgh Sheriff Court - with a preliminary hearing on 19 October.

It will also consider the weather and possible mechanical failure.

The Denholm ace was killed when his craft ploughed into a remote hillside near Hawick in 2003.

Mr Hislop was flying alone from the Borders to Buckinghamshire when the incident happened.

Rotor blades

Relatives and friends have campaigned for an inquiry.

In 2005, an Air Accidents Investigation Branch report was published into the crash.

It said the accident was caused by rotor blades striking the tailboom of the helicopter which could have resulted from "spatial disorientation and mishandling of the controls".

However, it added that an aircraft malfunction "could not be eliminated".

Mr Hislop was a winner of the British Superbike title in 1995 and 2002 and also won 11 Isle of Man TT crowns.