I am an ex-knuckle dragger of both rotary & fixed wing, not that that has any relevance to this tragic accident. I have the utmost respect to all those aviators who returned me home safe after a few thousand hours.
It is reported that this operation has been running for more than 7 years. My question is: At what point does something appear to be/become normal and no-one questions it? Until tragedy happens and then it is too late.
Do people actually ask whether an operator is legal, especially after all that time? And if you do, do you take the ‘yes’ answer at face value? (7 years!)
As to the fare paying passenger question, if you are asked to chip in (donate) for fuel, at what point does that invalidate any licence/insurance?
My own take on the video; it is an ill timed distraction.
My sincerest condolences to all of those who have been affected by this.