A CORONER has cited a “background of deteriorating administration, airmanship and discipline” in his ruling over the deaths of three RAF servicemen.

Coroner Geoff Fell told Harrogate Magistrates Court RAF pilot Flight Lieutenant David Sale did not have the skills necessary to carry out the low-flying manoeuvre he was attempting in a Puma helicopter.

Flt Lt Sale, Sergeant Phillip Burfoot and Private Sean Tait died in the crash near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, in August 2007.

Mr Fell this afternoon recorded narrative verdicts into the deaths of all three men and set out his conclusions of what happened on the day of the crash.

He said the administration at RAF Benson, where two of the men were based, "left much to be desired", and added the crew members in the Puma helicopter on the day of the crash were "inexperienced".

The coroner said most of the flying on the day of the crash "seems to have taken place at less than 100ft" and added the tactical manoeuvres were "excessive in number and irregularity".

He said the crew was "oblivious" at times and there was a deterioration in discipline.

Mr Fell said: "One can see that while some of the factors individually might not lead to a hazardous situation, collectively they are almost certainly leading to a mishap."

Returning the verdicts, Mr Fell said: "The pilot of the helicopter was attempting a flying manoeuvre which was beyond his capabilities, or those of the Puma, or a combination of both.

"Against a background of deteriorating administration, airmanship and discipline, the helicopter crashed."

Outside the court RAF Station Commander Group Captain Jonathan Burr said changes had been made to the way administration procedures were carried out.

Capt Burr said: "The verdict today will reinforce action we have already taken.

"We have changed the way that we supervise, manage and task our Puma operations, both at home and overseas, to ensure that such events are not repeated as far as is humanly possible."