AN engineer has been questioned over washing practices for helicopters, including one which crashed onto the roof of a pub, killing two Renfrewshire men.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is taking place into the crash of the Police Scotland chopper at the Clutha Vaults, in Glasgow, on November 29, 2013.

David Price was director of engineering at the helicopter's operators Bond when the crash happened – and, six months later, moved to become head of maintenance and engineering at Babcock.

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He gave evidence today while being questioned by Donald Findlay QC, who is representing the family of one of the 10 people who died in the crash.

When asked if he could recall when it was first established that water might enter the fuel system of the aircraft during washing, Mr Price confirmed it was in 2003.

Mr Findlay then asked that, if there were checks in place before a wash, why were there none after.

The Gazette: Top: left to right) David Traill; PC Kirsty Nelis; PC Tony Collins; Gary Arthur; Samuel McGhee (Bottom: left to right) Colin Gibson; Robert Jenkins; Mark O'Prey; John McGarrigle; Joe CuskerTop: left to right) David Traill; PC Kirsty Nelis; PC Tony Collins; Gary Arthur; Samuel McGhee (Bottom: left to right) Colin Gibson; Robert Jenkins; Mark O'Prey; John McGarrigle; Joe Cusker

The engineer explained they were primarily looking for water such as rain in the system, with a time period long enough for possible routes or sources of water to settle in the bottom of the fuel tank.

The inquiry was also shown an email from Mr Price to helicopter manufacturers Eurocopter, in which he expressed being "extremely unhappy" over the issue.

Pilot David Traill, from Lochwinnoch, died in the crash, along with helicopter crew members Tony Collins and Kirsty Nelis.

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Pub customers Mark O'Prey, John McGarrigle, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins, Samuel McGhee, Joe Cusker and Gary Arthur, from Paisley, also died.

The inquiry, before Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull, continues at Hampden Park.

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