Originally Posted by
oggers
As anticipated, the report clarifies that this WAS an illegal flight. At the very least it was an illegal private flight by Ibbotson. It is also clear that the flight cannot have been operated legally as a charter, even though we shall have to wait to see if - as seems likely - and to what extent this was an illegal charter by an uncertified operator using a private pilot.
I'm not sure there will be a definitive cause established for the accident itself. But if by lifting the lid on this sordid arrangement the cowboy operators get their wings clipped, that will be a significant contribution to flight safety.
Exactly, the fact that the interim report focuses attention to the illegality of the flight is reassuring. I feared that the AAIB might 'cop-out' and merely investigate the mechanics of the crash. They have provided substantial insight into the direction of their investigation. In light of the fact that the pilot is still missing and his family still grieving, they've made a very a strong statement.
The legality of the flight is a very important aspect- if you fly illegally or in a "grey area" you will be brought to book. The fact that this operation was carried out 'under pressure', as part of a substantial 'commercial contract', at night, by a PIC with only a PPL without night or instrument certification during VMC, in an N registered plane without an AOC, without 'common purpose' while the pilot was 'all expenses paid' plus presumable remuneration. If any one of those factors were different then this may not have happened. If the pilot wasn't under that pressure his decision making might/should have been substantially different. The radar track in itself is likely to provide the technical explanation for the crash. Pilot was out of his depth.
What's the difference between this and an unlicensed car driver high on drugs driving into roadworks- the technical cause of death may be improper airbag function etc etc. The root cause was that the driver was not qualified to undertake that journey. He didn't see the signs, or take the necessary avoiding action, that if he were properly qualified (and without additional stress) would have been expected to have taken.
If you don't think legality is an issue, then why should anyone bother paying for flight lessons to begin with, paying insurance, adhering to regulations, paying for Certification as an Air Operator? Are they simply just 'costs' for the sake of it? Or do they ensure that those certified have an adequate level of training, adequate adherence to relevant regulations and an assurance to operate only with safety (and the safety of any passengers) as a priority?