Well, if he is guilty as charged, could it be retribution and deterrence? Clearly the police have have a suspicion an offence has been committed. Sounds like they have relied on advice from CASA though. At least he will be tried in a proper court of law if the prosecution proceeds.

Oh dear, just what we need, plod getting involved in aviation and CAsA assisting. What a pairing.

Criminalisation of aviation safety has worked wonders in Palmeston (NZ) and Scotland (cant remember the place).
Mind you it seems to work wonders in those jurisdictions of legal brilliance like Iran, the old Yugoslavia, China and North Korea etc

All that might be achieved is some petty retribution, a most unfortunate outcome that adds absolutely nothing to the promotion of aviation safety or safety itself.

CC

What caused the engine failure?

Surely you mean Palmerston?

Very sad for all concerned.

I vaguely recall a similar incident some years ago in NSW, a Cessna 180 out west I think, where an engine failure after take off resulted in a fatal crash.
NSW police charged the pilot with manslaughter.
I'm pretty sure the prosecution failed, but the cost of defence had very severe financial implications for the pilot concerned.
It is very sad Sunny, nobody wins except the lawyers.