Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, three separate investigations have been conducted into this tragic accident. The first was conducted by the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, which published its report on 24 January 2012. The second was held with the coroner's inquest in May 2012. The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death in respect of the individual in question. The third investigation was by a military court of inquiry, which was convened on 26 July 2012 and produced its report on 17 January 2013.

The air accident investigation unit found that the probable cause of the accident was spatial disorientation of the instructor pilot in conditions of poor visibility, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain. The court of inquiry's findings are in agreement that the accident was caused by the spatial disorientation of the instructor who was piloting the aircraft in conditions of poor visibility. The coroner's inquest returned a verdict of accidental death in respect of cadet pilot Jevens and an open verdict in respect of the instructor pilot. All of the reports indicate that the cadet bore no responsibility of any kind for the accident. I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Jevens family but it appears for some reason that the family retains a view that someone believes this tragedy was in some way the fault of Cadet Jevens. Three reports have made it absolutely clear that it was not his fault. I would dearly like to set the minds of family members at rest in that regard. In the context of the more recent issues raised, I am obtaining advice thereon and having done so will duly respond.

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