Canterbury: Tributes To Helicopter Pilot

18 September 2014, 16:41

The Air Accident Investigation Branch says it is continuing to offer support to the family of a pilot from Canterbury who died when a helicopter crashed into the North Sea off Yorkshire on Tuesday afternoon. A passenger, John Kent from Romford also died.

58 year old Brian Bridgman was chief pilot with Heli Charter which is based at Manston.

This is the statement issued by the company.

It was first reported to us by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) that on Tuesday 16th September 2014, at approximately 13.40 local time, Air Traffic Control had lost contact with Agusta/Bell 206 helicopter, registration G-SUEX.

The helicopter was on a flight travelling from a site near Edinburgh, to Humberside Airport, and in the area of Flamborough Head, Bridlington, it was involved in a fatal accident.

On board the aircraft were the pilot, Captain Brian Bridgman, and his friend, John Kent.

The helicopter is owned by a company in Hampshire, and was hangared, operated and maintained by Heli Charter, at Manston.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Brian and John. Brian left 2 children, Katie (31) and Tim (29).

Tim said "My sister and I could not be more proud of our Father. He was a fantastic Dad and a brilliant pilot.

"He was not only a Commercial Pilot, but was also a qualified Flying Instructor, and a Civil Aviation Authority approved Flight Examiner. My father absolutely loved flying. He sold his engineering business 4 years ago so that he could pursue his passion full time.

"Dad was always great company, and had a massive circle of friends. He will be hugely missed by everyone he knew, and all those whose lives he touched".