SYNOPSIS
On departure from the static display park at the Salthill Airshow 2007, an emergency egress hatch separated from the right-hand side cargo sliding door of a Merlin helicopter and fell to earth. The Investigation found that the locking mechanism of the egress hatch had been interfered with by an unknown member of the viewing public during the course of the day. This unlocked condition, remained undetected during the pre-flight inspection by the aircrew. Two spectators reported receiving minor injuries.
