Chinook: Zulu Delta 576 Part One (BBC One NI Monday 29 January 2024

In a devastating helicopter crash on June 2, 1994, some of the most senior members of the UK’s intelligence services in Northern Ireland lost their lives. The tragedy occurred on the remote Mull of Kintyre mountainside in Scotland. At that time, Northern Ireland was experiencing a period of intense violence, with events like the Greysteel and Shankill bombings pushing community relations to their breaking point.

While these atrocities were taking place, there was an undercover “intelligence war” being waged by a close-knit group within the security services. These individuals played a crucial role not only in gathering intelligence but also in supporting the fragile peace process unfolding behind closed doors.

Directed by Trevor Birney and produced by Fine Point Films for BBC, “Chinook: Zulu Delta 576” is a two-part series that revisits this tragic day. The documentary features accounts from relatives and colleagues of those who were aboard Flight ZD576 when it crashed. It examines how this disaster sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland’s security services while documenting the families’ fight for justice following what they consider to be an unjust verdict delivered by two senior Air Marshals.

The official conclusion blamed gross negligence on behalf of two elite Special Forces pilots as the cause of the crash—a conclusion vehemently rejected by Flight Lieutenant Richard (Rick) Cook and John Tapper’s families. For 16 years after this devastating event, they tirelessly sought answers and worked to clear their loved ones’ names.

“Chinook: Zulu Delta 576” includes exclusive interviews with relatives who share deeply personal experiences about how their lives were forever changed by losing loved ones aboard that ill-fated flight. General Sir Christopher Deverell—the son of John Deverell, Director and Controller of Intelligence for MI5 at that time—discusses his father’s role in Northern Ireland’s peace process during this tumultuous period.

The second episode delves into allegations that the two elite Special Forces pilots were wrongfully blamed for the crash—an alleged cover-up driven by the belief that “dead men don’t talk.” Christopher Cook, brother of Rick Cook, shares his account of learning about the crash and how his father tirelessly fought to clear his son’s name posthumously.

Squadron Leader Robert Burke, a retired RAF Chinook expert, raises concerns about the safety of the updated Mark 2 Chinook helicopters. Additionally, documents from that period suggest that these aircraft should not have been allowed to fly at all.

Tony Cable from the Air Accident Investigation Branch sheds light on his findings regarding what went wrong during this tragic accident. He also shares insights into his opinion on the initial verdict and questions surrounding blame assigned to the pilots.

Former UK Defence Secretary (1992-1995) Sir Malcolm Rifkind provides an interview in which he discusses government involvement in the investigation surrounding ZD576.

“Chinook: Zulu Delta 576” will premiere on BBC iPlayer & BBC One Northern Ireland at 10.40pm on Monday, January 29th. It will air on BBC Scotland at 10pm on Tuesday, January 30th.