One must note that the bloke was essentially saved by an EPIRB, and he was only encouraged to carry the EPIRB at the last minute, when a concerned friend gave him his.
I think "thoughtlessness" describes well, this blokes "mishap" - and thoughtlessness is to blame for many a life lost.
If he was 18, one could say it was teenage thoughtlessness and impulsiveness to blame - but the bloke was in his mid-20's when he set out on the trip, and one is expected to have a modicum of maturity and ability to think things through properly, by then.

In the video link posted above he claimed to be in contact with ATC right to the point of impact after issuing a mayday call...

bass strait is usually so cold you won't last very long in the water.

The water temperature was reported as being 13 deg C at the time. The fairly constant wind chill factor in Bass Strait would add a very serious detrimental element to the cool water temperature.
I must admit, I now have a greater level of respect for Lilo's level of construction if they survived a landing impact on water and still kept their airtightness. Every air mattress I've ever owned always leaked, even from new.

I used to think a lilo would make a poor man's life raft. Now it appears it has passed the test.

Point taken LB .... I prefer a certified life raft myself. Sadly old mate couldn't afford one so he chose the lilo alternative and surprise surprise, it worked.

The reason we even heard about this clown is that his two stroke quit. We never hear about those whose engines remain functional over Bass Strait, and more than a few ultralights complete this crossing every year, flown by a variety of personalities and no doubt carrying a variety of oddities the pilot may think would be of assistance in an emergency.

This is the jacket I've been wearing for a few years now. Epirb, flares, etc. Theory is, after ditching, yer get clear of the aircraft and pull the string... Constant Wear Lifejacket SAVER SYSTEM | www.safetymarineaust.com.au

The designers even had Bass Strait in mind..:cool:





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Perhaps the intrepid duo read about Ben Buckley's flight to NZ and thought the Strait would be easy compared to the dootch?

Kaz

Just to add a bit of fact to the story, The flight Attendant concerned was a Virgin lady. She was concerned they were both drinking and bragging about what they were about to do. Hardly the sharpest knives in the drawer. How do I know? I was the Captain on their flight.

The final chapter I hope !

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-0...-crash/8488358

The court yesterday heard, at the time of the crash, Hector held a pilot's certificate - and not a pilot's licence - which only permitted him to fly less than 25 nautical miles from his departure point.

At today's sentencing, Magistrate Sharon Cure described Hector's approach as "cavalier".

"Taking the risk was unjustified," she said.

"An extremely high level of responsibility is attached to the right to fly.

"It's important a clear message is sent that reckless conduct leads to punishment."
Magistrate Cure took into account Hector's guilty plea, his prospect for rehabilitation, the financial burden of the incident, the subsequent court action and his young family in sentencing him to six months' imprisonment, wholly suspended.

"[You] only just avoided an actual term of imprisonment," she said.

I thought a "certificate" was all that were required to fly an ultralight ? A "licence" being only for VH- drivers.





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Yes, correct. Sounds like no cross country endorsement so restricted to 25 mn. Emphasis on 'licence' probably by ignorant media, means nothing.

A fair outcome in my book. He only just avoided jail.