In this fatal accident inquiry the Crown were represented by an advocate depute, counsel appeared for (1) the family of Flt Lt Tapper, (2) the Ministry of Defence, (3) the families of all deceased with the exception of Flt Lt Tapper and Flt Lt Cook, and (4) Boeing Helicopters, and a solicitor appeared for the family of Flt Lt Cook. A procedural hearing took place on 18 December 1995 and the inquiry proper began on 8 January 1996. It lasted a total of eighteen days of which sixteen were taken up with hearing evidence and two with submissions on the evidence. In addition on the Saturday at the end of the third week of the inquiry 1 had the opportunity to inspect a Chinook MkII helicopter and go for a brief flight in it.