The inquiry reveals the challenges and dangers faced by expedition crews in the air.
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The recent inquiry into the tragic death of cameraman Dan Burton during a charity air expedition has shed light on the inherent dangers faced by those involved in such high-stakes projects. Burton was documenting conservationist Sacha Dench’s round-Britain flight, aimed at raising awareness for environmental issues ahead of the COP26 climate change conference.
The incident, which occurred on September 18, 2021, near Loch Na Gainmhich in Sutherland, has raised critical questions about safety protocols and the pressures faced by expedition crews.
Details of the expedition and the fatal crash
Burton and Dench were flying paramotors as part of a project organized by Conservation Without Borders, a charity co-founded by Dench.
The expedition’s goal was to promote conservation efforts, but the day of the crash proved to be fraught with challenges. According to testimony from Charlotte Harrison-Littlefield, a member of the ground crew, the pair had been dropped off at their take-off site and were expected to land at a checkpoint in Scourie. However, when they failed to arrive, concern grew among the ground crew, who were unable to contact them through their usual communication methods.
After a period of waiting, the ground crew decided to retrace their route, ultimately discovering the crash site marked by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. Tragically, they learned that Burton had not survived the incident. The inquiry revealed that the electric motor used for Dench’s flights had been replaced with a petrol version shortly before the crash, raising questions about the decision-making process leading up to the flight.
Emotional toll and operational stress
During the inquiry, it was revealed that Burton had expressed feelings of being “shaken” after a difficult landing earlier that day. Harrison-Littlefield noted that the expedition environment was stressful, with team members feeling the pressure of tight schedules and high expectations. Burton had voiced frustrations about the expedition’s progress, indicating that the team was behind schedule compared to their original plan. This stress was compounded by the demands of working closely with individuals they did not know well, as well as the leadership style of Dench, who was described as the boss of the operation.
Harrison-Littlefield described the expedition as a 24/7 commitment, leaving little room for downtime. The inquiry highlighted the need for clear communication and realistic expectations in such high-pressure environments, as well as the importance of addressing mental health and emotional well-being among team members.
Safety protocols and decision-making in air expeditions
The inquiry also delved into the safety protocols in place for the expedition. While Harrison-Littlefield indicated that Dench typically consulted Burton on flying decisions, it was unclear how much autonomy he had in making those calls. Stephen Holland, a trustee of Conservation Without Borders, contradicted this by stating that Burton was the lead in flying decisions, emphasizing that he had the final say on whether to proceed with flights.
This discrepancy raises important questions about the leadership structure and decision-making processes within the expedition team. As the inquiry continues, it is crucial for organizations involved in similar projects to reassess their safety measures and ensure that all team members feel empowered to voice concerns about operational pressures and safety risks.
