Royal Watch News

Prince William's flying instructor dies in crash

Jan 23, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Prince William

Britain's Prince William's helicopter flying instructor died in a motorbike crash.

An inquest into the death of 36-year-old pilot James Hassell - described as a 'very distinguished helicopter pilot and instructor' - has determined he died during a high-speed motorbike accident when trying to overtake a truck on the A417 near Faringdon, Oxfordshire in March 2012.

James instructed the prince - a RAF search and rescue pilot - on how to fly five years ago.

The inquest, which is ongoing at Oxford Coroner's Court, heard that the flying instructor had accelerated his motorcycle to 70-80mph in order to overtake a truck, which turned right, striking him.

Matthew Coverley, a friend of the deceased, alleges the driver of the truck failed to indicate a turn.

He told the inquest: 'I didn't see any indication on the truck, neither prior to or as it turned.

'The truck was travelling in a continuous motion, as if it has not seen Jim.'

The truck's driver, Marek Kucala, disputes this claim, saying: 'I indicated much earlier, before the entrance to Manor Farm as I knew where I was about to turn.

'The first time I checked my mirrors I didn't see anyone. When I moved to the centre of the road I checked the mirrors for the second time and I noticed the motorcycle.'

The inquest is still ongoing.