The repatriation in 2006 of the Nimrod crew killed in Afghanistan

A report into the crash of an RAF Nimrod in Afghanistan, which killed 14 serviceman including a flight sergeant from Tankerton, says the accident was preventable.

The independent review into the RAF’s worst plane crash since the Falklands War, was released yesterday lunchtime.

Gary Andrews (pictured left), a weapons system operator, was one of 14 servicemen who died when a Nimrod exploded over Afghanistan in September 2006.

The aircraft exploded into a ball of fire minutes after undergoing air-to-air refuelling during an intelligence-gathering mission over the southern region of the country.

The 48-year-old Adams was based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland. He left a wife, Kristina, and two daughters, Sophia and Lauren.

The review found the MoD and the RAF had allowed safety to suffer in order to save money. It also uncovered a failure of leadership, culture and priorities.

As a result of the highly critical report, two RAF officers have been removed from their posts and given roles with no responsibility for safety.

Charles Haddon-Cave QC, blamed a "systemic breach" of the military covenant and criticised the MoD, BAE systems and defence firm QinetiQ.