THE widow of a police officer who died in the Clutha disaster has hit out at the conclusions of an inquiry into the tragedy which suggested a Lochwinnoch pilot was to blame.

Lucy Collins lost her 43-year-old husband Tony when a police helicopter ploughed into the roof of The Clutha bar, in Glasgow, on November 29, 2013.

Six years later, the findings of a Fatal Accident Inquiry placed the blame on Captain Dave Traill, saying the chopper pilot “took a chance” and ignored fuel warnings.

READ MORE: Clutha pilot 'failed to follow emergency procedures'

However, speaking publicly about the disaster for the first time, Mrs Collins said she believes the FAI process overlooked crucial evidence.

She also made it clear her husband had full confidence in the flying skills of Captain Traill.

Mrs Collins said it had been difficult for her to contribute to the FAI process and she felt the evidence had been wrongly focused on her husband’s family life, rather than his confidence in Captain Traill.

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 Cusker(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 Cusker

“Tony was an experienced air observer, having worked as such for eight years,” added Mrs Collins. “He trusted Dave implicitly as the hugely experienced and skilled pilot he was. I feel this is important information that Tony would have wanted me to share.

“I am not an expert in anything mechanical and I don’t profess to offer any kind of expert knowledge on this but I do know that Dave was trusted by Tony as a diligent and skilled professional.

“This statement was submitted to the FAI but I don’t believe that it was used by the Sheriff Principal because he wanted the relatives’ statements to be focused more on Tony’s personal and family life.

“I felt very strongly that I wanted all those involved in the inquiry to know that Tony had trust and confidence in Dave Traill.”

More than 100 people were in The Clutha when the helicopter crashed while heading back to base.

READ MORE: Lochwinnoch helicopter pilot in Clutha crash was not to blame, says fiancee

The FAI concluded the crash happened when the aircraft’s engines flamed out sequentially while airborne due to fuel starvation after the supply tank was depleted.

PC Collins, from Clarkston, was among 10 people who died in the disaster.

Other victims included Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, who had been enjoying a night out at the pub.

A spokesman for the Air Accident Investigation Branch said it stands by its final report into the disaster.

The Crown Office declined to comment.

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