A FATAL accident inquiry into the Clutha pub helicopter crash which claimed 10 lives could last at least six months.

Seven customers, the pilot and two crew members were killed when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed through the roof of the pub in Glasgow on November 29, 2013.

The first of three preliminary hearings ahead of the full fatal accident inquiry (FAI) took place at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Family members, Police Scotland, Airbus Helicopters, Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and David Young, the day shift pilot for the helicopter, are among those represented at the inquiry.

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull, who is overseeing the FAI, said it will be “lengthy and complex”.

The hearing opened with a reading of the names of those who died in the tragedy.

The FAI aims to establish the circumstances of the deaths and consider ways to prevent further deaths in similar circumstances. It will not establish civil or criminal liability.

Senior counsel John Smith QC, who is leading the inquiry, said the Crown has commissioned a composite report from two experts – a helicopter pilot and someone who deals with “human factors”.

Smith estimated the FAI will take six months to complete.

The inquiry is due to start in April at Hampden Park.

The Crown is considering the possibility of commissioning a 3D interactive model or video simulation model of the helicopter’s flight for the inquiry.

A 2015 AAIB report found two fuel supply switches were off and the pilot did not follow emergency procedures after a cockpit warning was triggered. There was deemed to be insufficient evidence for criminal proceedings, however.