A survivor of a fatal North Sea helicopter crash says he bears no ill will towards the pilots of the aircraft.

Martin Tosh was one of 14 who escaped the wreckage of the Super Puma which went down near Shetland in 2013 but four others, Sarah Darnley, 45, Duncan Munro, 46, George Allison, 57, and Gary McCrossan, 59, lost their lives.

A report published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) on Tuesday said the helicopter’s instruments were not effectively monitored during the final seconds of its approach to Sumburgh Airport on August 23.

Experts reported the helicopter’s airspeed dropped as it approached Sumburgh but the crew did not notice.

The 38-year-old said: “To find out it was human error makes it harder to take, it would have been easier if there was a fault with the chopper itself, but I have nothing against the pilots at all.

“Maybe I should be angry and bitter but I’m not. We’re all human and we all make mistakes and I’ve got nothing against them.”

Mr Tosh, who said he has not worked since the accident, called for the Crown to carry out a fatal accident inquiry into the ditching.

He said: “It should go further, there should be a full investigation. All the questions that have been lying deep should be answered.”

The AAIB reported the Super Puma hit the water at such speed many of its passengers were unable to brace themselves or take a breath before it went under.

In February 2014, the Civil Aviation Authority outlined a series of measures aimed at improving offshore helicopter safety following the crash.

Their recommendations included helicopters not being allowed to fly offshore in severe sea conditions and a size limit for passengers.

A spokesman for helicopter operator CHC said safety remains the firm’s top priority.

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