Yeovilton Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash Likely Due to Double Engine Failure.
An inquest has been opened into the tragic death of Royal Navy pilot Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon, who was killed after the aircraft he was on crashed into the English Channel during a training exercise. Lt Leyshon, based at RNAS Yeovilton, was 31 years old and tragically lost his life when the helicopter went down off the coast of Dorset on September 4.
The inquest, which opened at Exeter Coroner's Court, revealed Lt Leyshon was born in Cardiff and lived in Langport, Somerset. Described as a dedicated and talented pilot, he came from a loving family, including his mother Mary, father Tim, and beautiful twin sisters Anna and Rachel.
Lt Leyshon had long dreamed of becoming a pilot while growing up in Ystradowen, a village in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Sources close to the investigation suggest the fatal crash may have been caused by a double engine failure aboard the Merlin helicopter, which is equipped with three engines. This possible technical malfunction is the focus of ongoing investigations. The full inquest has been adjourned and will take place at a later date.
Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, stated: "The circumstances of the death are that on September 4, Lt Leyshon was the pilot of a Royal Naval aircraft that suffered difficulty while on exercise in the English Channel. He was airlifted from HMS Queen Elizabeth to Derriford Hospital, where he sadly passed away on September 5. The precise medical cause of his death has not yet been ascertained."
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that three crew members were aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash. While two other crew members were rescued and taken to hospital, Lt Leyshon did not survive his injuries. The crash occurred at night during a training exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth, and an investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Lt Leyshon’s death has sent shockwaves through the Royal Navy. He was described by the MoD as "one of the Commando Helicopter Force's most trusted and highly capable aircraft captains and instructors."
Following his death, Lt Leyshon’s family released a heartfelt statement: "Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends, and family, and he was devoted to them. Our lives will never be the same without him.
"We are all so very proud of the talented, passionate, strong, and loyal man he was. We will always have him in our hearts. Our wonderful boy."
The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss during this painful time.