Chinook Accident.

We Shall Never Know.

I well remember how easily airborne accidents in both military and civilian scenarios are more easily able to lay blame on an operating crew than any underlying causes. This terrible tragedy appears to be such a case. However, if we look hard at the evidence, I, as a long time aviator am unable to square the latest findings that completely exonerate the pilots. A good source of material is  here together with substantial references.

Question marks over the serviceability of the machine, crew fatigue and navigational issues, all combine to form a picture of  a sequence of events coming together rather than any single major factor. However I argue that in the prevailing weather conditions the speed and altitude of the aircraft were significant. Why a safe altitude was not sought baffles me. A pure aviation mantra is that if in doubt climb and was always a good one.

I guess we really shall never know but I have little faith in Dr Liam Fox's expertise to comment as he has. I suspect a greater desire to look noble and gracious in the public eye is more likely than hours in a simulator to grasp the nature of the conditions prevailing on that rainy, foggy day in Scotland. It is also another opportune moment to have a go at the top brass. In some cases they deserve it, not in this.

Oldrightie

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Taliban Numbers Increase in Afghanistan

Photo courtesy of EU Referendum

A worrying development in Afghanistan has hardly been mentioned by the dead tree press, but fortunately a site I respect has highlighted it.

This is the article.

The Taliban are tightening their grip on Afghanistan with a permanent presence in 80% of the country.

The number of Taliban fighters has soared by 72% from this time last year, despite a massive boost in the number of Nato troops.

Research shows the Taliban - ousted in 2001 - now has a "significant presence" in the war-torn region and is growing all the time.

A new map released by the International Council on Security and Development (ICOS) also shows that a further 17% of Afghanistan has a "significant Taliban presence".

Norine MacDonald QC, ICOS president, says: "The unrelenting and disturbing return, spread and advance of the Taliban is without question."

Another worrying development is the fact that the Taliban fighters are focusing their terror campaign in northern Afghanistan. This follows their devastating losses in Helmand in the south east where British soldiers have killed several thousand Taliban in clashes

The area of Kunduz, where British Para Cpl John Harrison was killed saving journalist Steve Farrell, is particularly violent. This area had until recently been relatively benign.

Alexander Jackson, policy analyst at ICOS, said: "Eight years after the 9/11 terror attacks, the Taliban has returned to touch almost every corner of Afghanistan."

There is also a danger that the Afghan government - led by Hamid Karzai - has lost its grip.

It is possible President Karzai may impose a state of emergency but this could exacerbate rather than calm the current political tensions.

Jackson added: "The Taliban has expanded its grip on Afghanistan to the point where holding another round of voting will be more difficult.

"The Afghan people who did take the risk to vote in August may not be willing to risk their lives for a second round - especially when the first round was so riddled with fraud."

Rather different to the propaganda that pours forth from the Ministry of Defence spokespersons isn't it.

A special mention to the Sunday Post which carries an article with the lead 'The Number of British soldiers and civilians killed or injured in Afghanistan has passed 3,000'.

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