05-01-2020, 06:15 PM
Quite disappointed in the media reaction - "Crash tragedy pilots flying too low during emergency simulation"
I provided them with the following but it seems to have been ignored.
In most accidents there are a number of events which occur which lead to the outcome. It appears that this one was no different and ended with the deaths of three highly experienced pilots in a completely preventable disaster.
We will never know conclusively exactly what led to this occurrence due to a lack of recorded data, despite the Australian Safety Regulator (CASA) having received prior recommendations from the accident investigators (ATSB) to mandate for the installation of lightweight recorders in aircraft such as this one.
In particular this report highlights the casual and informal way in which CASA conducted their safety regulation of a company which they knew had little regard for the extreme workload, stress levels and commercial pressure which was placed upon their staff members. This economic focus led to an unwillingness to provide any more than the minimum training required by regulations less stringent than those required in some other parts of the world. Despite a number of safety events which had been reported to CASA, no audit was ever undertaken to assess the systemic cultural inadequacies prevalent within the company; this was completely contrary to their own guidelines.
A particular focus of this investigation is the simulated engine failure which was conducted shortly after take-off. CASA themselves admit that simulations can be more dangerous than the real event, yet it was performed at a much lower altitude than recommended by the aircraft manufacturer and in other jurisdictions such as Europe. In addition, both of the flying pilots were under assessment. One pilot was undergoing a proficiency check, which was being conducted by the Chief Pilot. Simultaneously, the Chief Pilot was undergoing assessment of his ability to conduct such checks. This was by a CASA inspector who had no method of adequate communication with either pilot.
In short, this was another needless accident which has left families and friends devastated by the loss of their loved ones. Recommendations from Investigators and Coroners continue to be ignored. Consequently, it is only a matter of time before we see yet another tragic accident because valuable lessons appear to be routinely disregarded by the body responsible for aviation safety in Australia.
I provided them with the following but it seems to have been ignored.
In most accidents there are a number of events which occur which lead to the outcome. It appears that this one was no different and ended with the deaths of three highly experienced pilots in a completely preventable disaster.
We will never know conclusively exactly what led to this occurrence due to a lack of recorded data, despite the Australian Safety Regulator (CASA) having received prior recommendations from the accident investigators (ATSB) to mandate for the installation of lightweight recorders in aircraft such as this one.
In particular this report highlights the casual and informal way in which CASA conducted their safety regulation of a company which they knew had little regard for the extreme workload, stress levels and commercial pressure which was placed upon their staff members. This economic focus led to an unwillingness to provide any more than the minimum training required by regulations less stringent than those required in some other parts of the world. Despite a number of safety events which had been reported to CASA, no audit was ever undertaken to assess the systemic cultural inadequacies prevalent within the company; this was completely contrary to their own guidelines.
A particular focus of this investigation is the simulated engine failure which was conducted shortly after take-off. CASA themselves admit that simulations can be more dangerous than the real event, yet it was performed at a much lower altitude than recommended by the aircraft manufacturer and in other jurisdictions such as Europe. In addition, both of the flying pilots were under assessment. One pilot was undergoing a proficiency check, which was being conducted by the Chief Pilot. Simultaneously, the Chief Pilot was undergoing assessment of his ability to conduct such checks. This was by a CASA inspector who had no method of adequate communication with either pilot.
In short, this was another needless accident which has left families and friends devastated by the loss of their loved ones. Recommendations from Investigators and Coroners continue to be ignored. Consequently, it is only a matter of time before we see yet another tragic accident because valuable lessons appear to be routinely disregarded by the body responsible for aviation safety in Australia.