Crown Court Case in Manchester

[parkfell]

Robert Murgatroyd has denied 7 offences including grossly overloading (alleged) his PA28 with three bird watchers hoping to fly from Barton to Barra beach (Western Isles). Got airborne with very marginal performance. Decided to return and crashed short of the airfield. All 4 survived.
Manchester evening news is covering the case. As the case is active, and aware that contempt of court is a serious offence, I shall refrain from any further comment until the case is completed. Henry Blackshaw prosecuting. An experienced chap.

[DaveReidUK]

PPRuNe: Forced landing, and they all walked away (https://www.pprune.org/accidents-close-calls/599334-force-landing-they-all-walked-way.html)

[Geriaviator]

Daily Mail is covering this case as well:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6674073/Greedy-pilot-overloaded-plane-29-stones-three-birdwatchers-make-1-000-profit.html?ito=email_share_article-bottom

[DaveReidUK]

Daily Mail is covering this case as well:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6674073/Greedy-pilot-overloaded-plane-29-stones-three-birdwatchers-make-1-000-profit.html?ito=email_share_article-bottom

The plane was 50 per cent above its maximum capacity of 55 stone

It was overloaded by 29 stone due to the size of passengers, luggage and fuel

Bravo for the DM, resisting the advance of metrication. :O

[Pilot DAR]

I'm going to close this thread for a while, and allow justice to take it's course. Following a judgement, we'll consider reopening the discussion.