'Compounded errors' cause death of Royal Navy pilot on HMS Queen Elizabeth op in 'heart-breaking' accident
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Mum of Lieutenant Rhodri ‘Rhod’ Leyshon said he had so much more life to live
Multiple mechanical failures caused the death of a Royal Navy pilot involved in a helicopter crash, an inquiry report has found.
Lieutenant Rhodri ‘Rhod’ Leyshon died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed off the coast of Dorset on September 4, 2024. The aircraft was conducting a night flying exercise after being deployed from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Former colleagues, loved ones, and politicians paid tribute to the Fleet Air Arm instructor, who was considered exceptional in his field. The helicopter was 100ft above sea level when the mechanical fault occurred, with the aircraft dropping into the water.
An investigation was launched and the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) has published its final Service Enquiry report. It said a flexible diaphragm on the aircraft’s number two engine failed, which allowed high pressure fuel to flood the engine and cause problems. A power surge followed and increased the motor speed.
The report said the diaphragm had been overstressed during a process introduced to address a separate manufacturing defect, resulting in a rupture that caused an imbalance in engine torque. A chain of interconnected failures followed the engine malfunction, including issues relating to warning systems, emergency diagnosis, training and operational decision-making.
These factors caused the Merlin to lose all available power to its three engines before it ditched into the sea. The report identified broader systematic issues beyond the initial engine fault. It said emergency diagnosis, training and cockpit decision-making also contributed to the accident and its outcome.
It added that the crew had not recently operated in low-light maritime environments at the time of the crash. Lt Leyshon undid his seat harness post-ditching, but was unable to get out of the cockpit. Incapacitating injuries followed on impact.
Lt Leyshon’s mum, Mary Scourfield, said: “Rhod was my delightful son and I, Rhod's sisters, partner and extended family, miss him every day. I know that he would have done everything within his power to get the helicopter back.
“It is therefore heart-breaking to see that he was put into this situation. What saddens us further is that Rhodri had ultimate faith in and loyalty towards the organisation and system in which he worked. He had so much more life to live.”
The report issued 44 safety recommendations which included stricter audits for helicopter engines and maintenance, re-evaluating the cockpit warning systems, retrofitting emergency lighting systems into Merlin Mk4 cockpits, refining aircrew training.
Peter Neenan, partner at the law firm Stewarts, said: “The Service Enquiry tells a harrowing story of compounded errors, with numerous mistakes which resulted in this deadly accident. Each of those mistakes were avoidable and it is hoped that this thorough and detailed Service Enquiry enables the relevant parties, including Safran Helicopters and the MoD to examine their processes to ensure that an accident like this is never repeated.”
Lt Leyshon’s father Tim added: “We are grateful to the DSA and the Defence Accident Investigation Branch for their thorough analysis, which while deeply upsetting has provided some of the answers about what happened. Rhod was not only a cherished son, he was a much loved friend and highly respected colleague. We believe that he was let down by people and systems beyond his control. We miss him more than words can say.”