Two or more sides to every story . . . .
Some interesting opinions expressed by Heliport, JimBall and SND, most of which are off the mark in terms of content and accuracy. By all means PM me, without being so anonymous.
The relevant issue here is the potential for an inconclusive AAIB report, which will not help the families. Fault in the legal sense (civil or criminal) is something very different. Here, Section 76 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 removes the need for proof of fault. Please go and read it (again).
Heliport commented that -
"It may be disappointing for lawyers but it is far better they do that than assume pilot error when the pilots concerned are not alive to defend themselves - damaging their reputations and with potential dire consequences (legal, financial and emotional) for their grieving families."
Since pilots are insured under aviation liability insurance policies, their reputations are defended where necessary or expedient by those insurers. We all know that insurance companies are profit based and have their own interests. Are you suggesting that grieving families of non-pilots deserve different treatment?
Twenty + years of involvement in air accidents from both sides of the fence, have left me with the distinct impression that the families of the pilots in such cases are least well looked after. An inconclusive accident report simply amplifies that position.
Last edited by Swiss Cheese; 23rd Jan 2013 at 09:43.