Relatives of the four Air Corps men killed in a helicopter crash in Tramore last July are to receive a draft report on the cause of the accident early next year.
The investigation into the crash is almost completed, and the men's families have been told to expect preliminary findings by next March.
Under normal procedures, they will then have 28 days to make observations on factual aspects of the report, before the investigation is formally wound up and a final report published. It is understood more time will be available to the families, however, if it is required.
Capt. Dave O'Flaherty (30), from Tullamore, Co Offaly; Capt. Mick Baker (28), Enniscorthy, Co Wexford; Sgt Paddy Mooney (34), Stamullen, Co Meath; and Cpl Niall Byrne (24), Killiney, Co Dublin, all died instantly when their Dauphin helicopter crashed into a sand dune near Tramore beach in Co Waterford on July 2nd.
They were returning from a successful search-and-rescue mission off the south-east coast when dense fog prevented them from landing at their base at Waterford Regional Airport.
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