Originally Posted by
BronteExperimental
It’s all just conjecture really. If the ATSB released the actual recordings (even the transcripts) of the word for word “contact”, “discussions” , “advisory” and “alerts” on company frequency we’d all have a much better idea of what was briefed, what was off piste and what was f$&@ed up.
unfortunately we’re just left with sanitized drivel:
The safety pilot in Viper 1 observed Viper 2 pass beneath and alerted the pilot of Viper 1 to the manoeuvre. The pilot of Viper 1 then rolled upright and contacted the pilot of Viper 2 to discuss the manoeuvre. The pilot of Viper 2 advised that passing underneath Viper 1 provided a good filming opportunity and requested to repeat the manoeuvre. After discussing the manoeuvre, the pilots decided to attempt the previous manoeuvre again, and Viper 2 moved to the right echelon position to recommence the manoeuvre.
Reads like a building inspection. Useless.
On the face of it, yes, I think they probably have all the information they need for conclusive evidence. But then there is weeks of pathological evidence to go through, fine comb the wreckage, wait on missing pieces, wait for all witnesses to come forward, aircraft histories to be compiled etc, etc, etc... Just in case some other causation creeps in, like pilot incapacitation or aircraft malfunction. Most likely evidence of that will be on video as well so making life a lot easier for the ATSB. Although like the "Onff" recording in the Potomac disaster, even having recordings of the lead up can add confusion as to the whys and human limitations.
All they can release in the Pre-lim is factual information that is of low doubt. All the rest is subject to scrutiny to be unwound and investigated, otherwise you just end up with public trials of individuals without proper explanation, and without all the evidence.