[P7_TOM]

Yep Tom,

Very similar case, engine failure after take off resulting in a fatality, a Cessna 180 if my memory serves me.

Pilot charged with manslaughter by NSW police.

He beat the charge but it wiped him out financially defending himself.

Very sad, the only people who win in these situations are the lawyers, a pox on them all.

Wow! That was a long, long while ago. I thought it a different mark of Cessna; lobbed into a dam and someone drowned - all fuzzy now (booze and bad living) - the name John rings a bell. This new case is 'interesting' - I reckon the flight path and actions resulting from the engine quitting may be the main thrust - but criminal implies 'intent'. Whichever way it plays out - as always the lawyers end up in the pub. We're batting for the wrong side TB. Too old and cranky now to change - but we shall see what assistance we can offer - least we can do.

From about - HERE - we did do some serious work on this 'accident' (and many others) but I'll be damned if I can make my mind up. If I could trust the ATSB (who can;t imagine why the engine quit) and CASA who approved accepted the operation as writ; then I could probably let it go; alas.

Was it badly done? I'd say so, but the difference between some serious criminal charges, rather than clear guidance and suspension for following SOP as writ seems a little heavy handed to my mind. But then I'm not a judge or a barrister. We shall watch and listen carefully -

Thirst rules OK.