The Aftermath of Voyager Flight ZZ333
On 9th February 2014, a British RAF Voyager ZZ333 transporting a number of British Service Personnel to Afghanistan pitched down 4,440 feet over the Black Sea. The 9 crew members and 189 military personnel on board were thrown into chaos. Several were lifted out of their seats and stuck to the roof. Others worried that the plane had been shot down, and were convinced that they were about to crash.
I act for several of the military personnel who were on the flight, and I have previously written about the incident as follows:
-
Lessons from GermanWings crash? RAF Voyager ZZ333 plunge final report: 33 injured
-
Injury claims against the MoD – RAF Voyager’s plunge over Black Sea
Over two years on, many passengers who were on the plane are still suffering. My firm represents some who have been diagnosed with:
- PTSD;
- depression;
- anxiety;
- phobias; and
- other mental health disorders
They have suffered from symptoms such as:
- poor sleep;
- flashbacks;
- nightmares;
- hypervigilance and;
- mood swings
Some have lost their military careers and many face uncertainties about their future in the Armed Forces.
A Service Inquiry into the incident revealed that the nose dive was caused by the pilot’s camera becoming stuck between the arm rest and side-stick, and that this should have been avoided.
Several national newspapers have reported the incident:
The Ministry of Defence have responded by saying: “ We cannot comment on individual cases, but when compensation claims are submitted, we carefully consider whether there is a legal liability to pay compensation. When there is, we will.”
The Ministry of Defence owes the same duty of care to air passengers as any other British employer and/or airline company.
Strict time limits apply to civil claims, so you should take legal advice as soon as possible. If you were on this flight and have suffered a physical or mental health issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of our specialist team.
