"Police Are Interviewing the Pilot?"

[Sunfish]

A light aircraft has crashed near Sale, all on board are OK according to the ABC.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1742181.htm

I note the ABC report contains the phrase "police are interviewing the pilot". Perhaps I'm a little sensitive, but, if this is true, I have to ask the question, to what purpose are the police interviewing the pilot? The implication seems to be to ascertain whether an offence has been committed.

Leaving aside the obvious question regarding police knowledge of things aeronautical and accompanying regulations, I've been 'interviewed" by the police at YMMB after an "incident" because they seem to tag along every time the fire brigade is called. It is not pleasant to have to give name and address and description of events even if the police are on their best behaviour.

Am I just wasting bandwidth or does anyone else share my concern?

[John Eacott]

On the funny side, when I was waiting in a paddock for the ambulance after flying into a powerline, one of the swarm of local coppers wandered over for a "chat".

I think he eventually realised that his asking "why didn't you fly under the wires" was in the category of Useless Questions, and found an excuse to wander away, suitably chastened :rolleyes:

[Di_Vosh]

1. Admit Nothing

2. Deny Everything

3. Demand Proof

4. Make Allegations

:}

[Pinky the pilot]

The subject of answering questions by the Constabulary has been brought up in several different threads in the past, so at the risk of repeating what has already been posted elsewhere;

If questioned by the Police after an incident/accident etc you are legally required to give your name and address, and nothing else!!!

AFAP members have some excellent advice given to them in the inside cover page of their diary which is distributed to all members and I quote from the first paragraph of the 'In the event of an accident or incident' section
"Say nothing until you have recieved advice."
'Nuff said.

[disco_air]

For the record, from an emergency services point of view they dont just tag along everytime the fire brigade turns up, its a standard response SOP to have police in attendance (at discretion of the fire agency's incident controller), usually to deal with crap the firies dont want to have to deal with when they get there(control of bystanders, traffic etc etc) The most investigation police should be doing is noting of surroundings and maintaining a sterile accident scene to preserve evidence for the ATSB investigation.

Over-zealous cops probably want to take control of the situation (save the day) and question witnesses and the pilot, but are going beyond their authority in doing so.

...disco

[Ratshit]

Don't get too paranoid!

Was interviewed by the cops after requesting assistance by mobile phone (did NOT declare an emergency) to check gear down in a C210 after electrical failure.

No big deal !

R:cool:

[The Messiah]

Rat****

Why didn't you just look out the window? After using the alternate extension procedure it would be a reasonable assumption in a court of law that if the mains are down so is the nosewheel.

[Ratshit]

it would be a reasonable assumption in a court of law that if the mains are down so is the nosewheel.

Yeah! Except when its not!

R:cool:

[Ultralights]

after reading the story, it sounded like it was just a forced landing after the redrive unit threw a belt. no big deal.. as for the fuel leaking from the wings, im pretty sure the terrier has the fuel tank in the fuselage, though i could be wrong.. but even so, how would a snaped redrive belt puncture the wing??? hmmm love the media!

even so, are the police involved in every forced landing??

[Reverseflowkeroburna]

I think what you were trying to say to The Messiah was, "In my professional capacity as Pilot In Command at the time, I was merely doing my UTMOST to ensure the safety of the flight. To do otherwise may have been negligent in that same courtroom."

Oh hang on...........we're in D & G aren't we........:ugh:

The old saying goes............"Put one band-aid on yer cut & one on yer mouth!" :oh:

[Ratshit]

I think what you were trying to say to The Messiah was, "In my professional capacity as Pilot In Command at the time, I was merely doing my UTMOST to ensure the safety of the flight. To do otherwise may have been negligent in that same courtroom."

Oh hang on...........we're in D & G aren't we........:ugh:

The old saying goes............"Put one band-aid on yer cut & one on yer mouth!" :oh:

Yep, that's pretty much what I was trying to say!

R:cool:

[Pinky the pilot]

Yet another possibly important subject descends into just another slanging match.:{ :ugh:

Would a few posters please care to (re)read Danny's warning?

[Desert Duck]

You are required to give name and address to Police when asked.

If there has been a fatality, or the posibility of a fatality or a fire the Police will have to complete a report for the Coroner - you do not have to offer any other details than name and address but expect a visit later on.

Some officers can be a little officious but if you are polite and as such pass the attitude test they will come around.

They are only doing a job.

[Starts with P]

The local police have autority over an aircraft accident/incident. They are charged with obtaining information because no doubt fire engines attended, maybe an ambo, and it has to be recorded as to what happened and why teh services were called. It's just a formality I'm sure. Standard practice.

[pall]

So what is a Terrier 200L? Can anyone enlighten me. Nothing comes up on a GOOGLE. I'd like to see one. Can anyone post a link or a PIC?:)

[Ultralights]

the terrier 200 (C) Built by Foxfcon.

http://www.foxcon.com/images/john155.jpg

http://www.foxcon.com/images/camper3.jpg

Power Subaru 100 Hp
Top Speed 120 Kts
Cruise Speed 110 Kts
Stall Speed 30 Kts
Gross Weight 544 kg
VNE 130 Kts
Empty Weight 334 kg
Rate of Climb 1500 ft/min
Fuel Capacity 80 Litres
Range 6 hrs
Fuel Consumption 13 ltr/hr
Take Off Distance 100 m
Landing Distance 100 m

[Aerodynamisist]

I have always been under the impression that state police had no authority when it comes all maters of aviation. ATSB, CASA and the federal police were the only ones. From a practicle point of view the average plod may be able to take a statment but lacks the knowledge to ask inteligent questions.

[Starts with P]

Technically that may be true, but the Feds or CASA can't be expected to turn out to every accident/incident and interview the people involved etc. I know that at Bankstown for example, when the services turn out, the State Police are called directly to turn out and they control the scene etc (once the firies finish doing their thing and so forth) and then interview the pilots etc. I would imagine or more "investigation" was required, then CASA/ATSB would no doubt take over.

I have never seen the Feds at BK before... Investigating an accident I mean. :)

[Mainframe]

Sunny, Starts with P is getting warm.

Visit the ATSB website, do a search on "Police".

The answers are there.

Accident Investigation is a federal function, as is Aviation regulation.

ATSB and the state police usually intertwine, despite any demarcation issues.

However, state police have over-riding powers in some circumstances, such as when death or injury result,
or there is a possibility that a crime may have been committed (the aircraft may have been used in regard to a crime).

The primary function of state police is normally to secure the site of an accident or incident,
to prevent interference to the scene pending the arrival of investigators, if appointed.

After all, they will usually be amongst the first public officials to arrive at the scene.

Sometimes the police will provide ATSB with details when ATSB are unable or cannot justify attendance.

Any questions initially asked by police will normally be in accordance with the ATSB handbook for police officer assistance,
and is normally to establish whether or not they have, or may have, some jurisdiction.

Usually, such as in your case, they can quickly determine the nature of the circumstances and ensure the right direction is taken.

Usually they will determine that they have no further interest.

Police of all states and the commonwealth have the power to detain or arrest, and do have the power to ask certain questions.

Likewise, you have a requirement to follow a lawful directive from a police officer, e.g. give your name and address, produce identification etc.

The state police will not and cannot institute proceedings against you for aviation offences, but can and may be a credible witness to such an offence.

So relax, answer the fairly simple questions if you can, and answer the mandatory ones as well.

If no one is hurt or killed, and you haven't committed a non aviation crime, that's normally the end of it.

[Sunfish]

Thank you for your considered advice Mainframe, I now understand their role. I will turn the paranoia down now. It is slightly unsettling to be talked to by the police after an incident thats all.

[LookinDown]

A couple of NSW police attended the crash investigation training in Canberra earlier this year with a view I understand to playing a more active part in accident investigation and management.

[The Messiah]

Rat****

The alternate gear system on a 210 is such that if the pumping handle hasn't jammed and you can see the mains are down then the nosewheel has to be down as well, that is how it works.

[Ratshit]

Rat****

The alternate gear system on a 210 is such that if the pumping handle hasn't jammed and you can see the mains are down then the nosewheel has to be down as well, that is how it works.

"Cessna Pilot's Association's (CPA) three-day Cessna 210 Systems and Procedures Course devotes several hours to this subject, but I will mention a few of the highlights here. UH OH! NO GREEN LIGHT. If you don't get a green light after extending the gear, the first thing to do is to visually check the landing gear position. When down and locked, the main gear tires can be seen from the cabin. However, the nosewheel is not visible to the pilot unless you install a convex landing gear mirror. A mirror is also necessary to observe the position of the main gear doors (if your plane has them). CPA sells an STC'd mirror that simply replaces one of the underwing inspection plates. If the landing gear appears completely down but there is no green light, a normal landing should be made. If the main gear is down but not quite locked, the weight of the aircraft will push the main gear legs toward the locked position. However, the nose gear retracts forward, so weight on an unlocked nose gear will tend to make it retract. Therefore, take care to hold the nose wheel off the ground as long as possible."

I guess CPA will have to modify their course now that "God" has spoken.

R:cool:

[The Messiah]

I concur with that entirely, in the case of the nosewheel not being locked but a little bit more knowledge of the alternate extension principle proves my previous post. How is it possible to crank the handle the required amount and it not jamming, seeing the mains appear locked yet the nosewheel is not? Please educate me as I didn't think it possible?

Used to fly nightfreight in a certain type which often showed only 2 or sometimes 1 green but knowing the system well enough we knew that if there was 1 green then the other 2 had to be locked down and it was just a microswitch problem.

[Dogimed]

Messiah,

A more appropriate response to RS professional comment would have been along the lines of ...

"I know you are but what am I?"

Should this not placade and confound, and RS responds again, place an additional "to infinity". This normally works for this level of conversation and should allow you to maintain your dignity.

Dog

[Lord Snot]

Take the entire crew to hospital because you cannot, apparently, be interviewed there while being attended to by the medical staff.

Do not talk about the accident to anyone at all, if possible.

Do not speculate on what "must've happened" to anyone, especially the media and police. Refer the media to your boss.

Insist on food and rest (especially if you're an impoverished GA pilot.... :ok: )

DO NOT interfere with cockpit settings after the event (especially the LG lever) as they have ways of knowing what really happened.

Alert the Aussie embassy (if overseas)

If being interviewed by the pigs, I mean the cops, insist on legal representation and describe the event but do not speculate on the causes.

[Much Ado]

I have just removed the word dickwit from sundry posts...anymore and the dickwits responsible will be removed:ugh:

I don't make this ****e up I just read it out....play by the rules or don't play.


Much Ado

[Ratshit]

Heh! Look at that.

A self-cleansing forum!

R:cool:

[LeadSled]

Folks,
The authority of the police, or the limits of their authority, is not quite as simple and black and white as some seem to believe.
In particular, in Queensland in quite recent times, the Crimes Act was amended to quite specifically include aircraft in the definition of a “vehicle”.
Queensland police have acted against “the driver of a vehicle” (my words, not the legal words) when the vehicle happened to be an aeroplane. One most interesting case involved low flying.
Fundamentally, aviation is State’s Rights, the Commonwealth’s power over aviation is limited, there is a long legal history going right back to only a few years after the dawn of aviation in Australia.
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to speak with great certainty in a very uncertain area.
Tootle pip!!

[QNH1013.2]

The aircraft was a TERRIER 200.

This is / was a nice looking machine with great paint job and it goes / runs / flies really well.

RA-Aus registered and flown by current and legal RA-Aus pilot with passenger.

Aircraft had less than 100 hours since new.

The belt drive (Amax re-drive) belt broke in flight.

An emergency landing was made and the aircraft came to rest is a paddock after it collided with a fence.

Nobody injured and the aircraft has been retrieved and everyone is home safely.

The only mistake made was probably that someone called the police.

As for being "interviewed" by the police, they spoke to the pilot when they attended and that was about it.

Investigations are continuing into why the belt broke when it wasn't very old. This is not the first occurence of this type and unfortunately probably won't be the last.

QNH.

[J430]

Hey QNH,

You have had your fair share of cop shop lately! (innocent dealings albeit).

So did you know the guys involved here?

J:ok:

[QNH1013.2]

Yes I do know those involved.

I always seem to be in the right (or is that wrong?) place at the right time.

[BrokenConrod]

I have just removed the word ....... from sundry posts...anymore and the .......s responsible will be removed:ugh:

I don't make this ****e up I just read it out....play by the rules or don't play.


Much Ado

You missed a couple!

But I gott' em for you!

Cheers

BC:8