Originally Posted by
Twist & Shout
IFR/IMC/Gold bars.
It would have been illegal and dangerous for a qualified IFR Pilot in a capable and certified IFR machine to have been where that foolish Pilot was. (In IMC, below LSALT and not on a published procedure.)
The simple fact is the Pilot chose to push on into totally unsuitable meteorological conditions and killed his pax. Criminal negligence. Ultimate price paid by all on board.
I totally agree T & S. All this talk of IFR/IMC, VFR/VMC, Twins, Singles, Single Pilot, Multi crew, Airways, Heli' Approaches etc, etc is missing the point completely. It doesn't matter what aircraft you're operating & in what environment, there are rules, regulations and limitations. Not many aircraft accidents happen when the guy(s) or girl(s) up the front are complying with all the rules (yes there are some exceptions). Fortunately there is usually quite a lot of conservatism built into the rules that govern what we do, so when we find ourselves brushing up against the limits of what's legal, or make an error, we still remain relatively safe. This guy
blatantly broke the law .... and sadly died.