1m Compensation Possible for Nimrod Crash Relatives

Coroner Andrew Walker called for a Nimrod flight ban It is possible that relatives of some of the victims of the RAF Nimrod crash in Afghanistan in 2006 could be set to receive compensation of approximately one million pounds.

While talks between the MoD and legal representatives on the issue of compensation remain ongoing, a source within the ministry has disclosed that the one-million-figure has been put forward in some instances - based on lost earnings, career prospects and the extent of their immediate families.

"A couple of individuals may be eligible for close to the one million pound mark, but it doesn't apply across the board", he explained.

While refusing to confirm/ deny the amount quoted, the MoD said that compensation would play a part, adding that it anticipated to have paid out before/ by April 2009.

RAF Nimrod Fuel Leaks

The information's emergence coincided with news on the number of fuel leaks experienced within the RAF Nimrod fleet since the Afghanistan crash of two years ago. According to Bob Ainsworth, Defence Minister, in excess of 300 such events have occurred during the intervening months.

Detailing these, he stated that around 50 per cent of the leaks took place in the Nimrods' wings and, therefore, caused "no hazard to the aircraft."

Over 100, however, happened in the fuselage.

In the case of the fated Nimrod flight, the fuel leak occurred after the aircraft had taken fuel onboard whilst in the air.

Nimrod Crash Inquest

At the conclusion of an inquest earlier this year, Andrew Walker, coroner, urged for the entire fleet of these maritime patrol aircraft to be banned from flight. The MoD, in response, countered the call.

Detailing the fuel leak data in written form, Mr Ainsworth highlighted how changes such as the scrapping of Nimrod air-to-air refuels had acted to substantially reduce risk.

"Despite this, no leakage, however small, from pipes, couplings or fuselage tanks is accepted and the aircraft will not fly until such leaks have been rectified", the minister added.

Source - Armed Forces International's Political Correspondent

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