There were no 'winners' in this case. It was a tragedy for the three people who lost their lives, a tragedy for their families and friends, and a tragedy for the engineer whose life has been shattered by one mistake.
The news report is inaccurate in one important respect. The engineer did not 'ignore' the manufacturer's instructions. He did what many of us do from time to time - he relied on his memory instead of going to the books to check. There but for the grace of God go many of us.
The clevis lug was already welded in course of manufacture, and further repair welds are permitted to one side of the cluster. Sadly, the engineer's memory re which side could be welded was incorrect.
It may not be generally known that, to his great credit, the engineer contacted the AAIB when he heard the crash was caused by a failed aft cluster, and told them he had authorised a weld repair. He provided all the evidence which led to him being charged with Manslaughter.
The engineer always admitted he was negligent. That was not in dispute. He pleaded Guilty to ANO offences which included negligently endangering the helicopter and its occupants. The sole issue for the jury to decide was whether his negligence was an so great that it amounted to Gross Negligence - Manslaughter.
The jury heard all the facts and considered the arguments by both sides. They found him Not Guilty of Manslaughter.
In addition to the engineer, who admitted what he had done, a number of other people behaved with great integrity and dignity.
The engineer's employer, Mr Chris Stepto, supported him throughout the long period between the crash and the trial - in circumstances where many employers might have distanced themselves.
Mr Rex Parkinson, the Senior AAIB Investigator who investigated the crash, remained totally professional and independent throughout, providing information fairly to prosecution and defence as required. (The CAA assisted the prosecution.) I have had extensive dealings with the AAIB over the years, and I never fail to be impressed by their impartial approach.
Above all, Mr Dennis Kenyon, a highly respected instructor and display pilot and father of one of those who died. Under cross-examination, Mr Kenyon told the jury he had known the engineer professionally for some years, and had always regarded him as conscientious and trustworthy. When asked whether he would trust him again despite the loss of his son, he paused to think about the question, and replied: "Yes. I suppose I would."
MD 600 driver
That may surprise you, given your comments. Let me surprise you a little more.
Mr Kenyon approached the engineer outside the court room. It was the first time they'd seen each other since the accident. He put his arm around the engineer's shoulders, asked him how he was bearing up under the strain, and wished him good luck with the manslaughter charges.
Dennis Kenyon is a far, far bigger man than you give him credit for, and earned the respect of those who heard him give evidence.