Co-pilot’s girlfriend attacks crash airline

As revealed in the Yorkshire Post yesterday, Irish air accident investigators have released a preliminary report claiming no mechanical faults have been identified in the plane that crashed killing 27-year-old Andrew Cantle and five others, and injuring six more.

Following the report, aviation law specialists at Irwin Mitchell, representing Mr Cantle’s partner Beth Webster, have revealed their concerns over the crash, in particular the actions of the captain during the flight and the rostering of the relatively inexperienced crew. Lawyers say they are now awaiting details of the next stage of investigations

A month on from the tragedy, Miss Webster has also slammed the airline Manx2 for ignoring the former RNLI volunteer’s family since the crash.

“I am still deeply saddened and devastated about losing my gorgeous Andy,” she said.

“A huge part of my life has been taken away and it is difficult to imagine my future without him in it. My heart goes out to all of the other bereaved families and loved ones, my thoughts are with them.

“Unfortunately, I feel that Manx 2’s conduct in all of this has been unacceptable. Andy’s parents and myself have yet to hear a word of condolence from any of the senior executives of the company and they should hang their heads in shame.”

Speaking after February’s crash, Manx2 chairman Noel Hayes, said: “We have never experienced anything like this in our five-year history and the tragedy has been a terrible shock to us all.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives.”