![Andrew McGregor and members of the team that investigated he crash of a Cessna 172R aircraft [Photo: Gabby Wantok Abariga/Facebook]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/10061951075d473281bcea583c8c15.jpg)
Andrew McGregor who recently carried out the investigation into the crash of a Cessna 172R aircraft in Fiji has been appointed as the Investigator‑in‑charge of the Robinson R44 helicopter accident which occurred near Savusavu on Friday evening.
In a statement, the Fijian Government says he is scheduled to arrive in Savusavu this morning to begin his investigations.
McGregor is Director of Prosolve Ltd, a company based in NZ that specializes in forensic engineering and air accident investigation and he has extensive experience investigating aircraft accidents in Fiji.
McGregor recently carried out the investigation into the crash of a Cessna 172R aircraft, DQ‑FTR in Fiji which identified inclement weather as a likely cause of the accident.
The statement says in 2006, he investigated the crash of a Robinson R44 helicopter that crashed into the sea West of Vuda point near Nadi due to dis‑bonding of one of the main rotor blades. It says as a result of his investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States issued 5 recommendations to the manufacturer of Robinson helicopters and the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) in order to improve the design and manufacturing processes of future R44 main rotor blades. The statement also says following this accident, the manufacturer changed the design of the main rotor blades for the R44 helicopter.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the search and rescue teams are working overtime to locate the other missing passenger and the pilot.
Sayed-Khaiyum says investigations into the root cause of this tragedy are already underway adding that McGregor is a reliable and experienced aircraft accident investigator with a solid track record of work in Fiji.
He says they look forward to working closely with him to uncover how and why this crash occurred.
He adds they will keep the public regularly updated on the progress of that investigation as well as the ongoing search and rescue effort.
Sayed-Khaiyum says on behalf of the Department of Civil Aviation and the Fijian people, they extend their deepest sympathies to all of the victim's families at this unimaginably difficult time.
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