NT R44 Cover-Up?

[hoverthrust]

It seems NT police have allegedly a lot more evidence of falsifying MR by matching up videos with tourist flights

This is not my opinion its direct from the Sky news article;

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-ne ... e627bbe088

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-ne ... b1a3c0adc0
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"Police will allege Wright regularly disconnected the hours meter in VH-IDW and other helicopters used by his company, and instructed other staff to do the same. "
They will also allege he twice visited Robinson in a Brisbane hospital where he was receiving treatment after the crash and tried to get him to falsify records relating to the helicopter involved in the crash - a Robinson R44 Raven II bearing the call sign VH-IDW - and to delete evidence from his mobile phone.
Last month police called for any tourists who had travelled in the helicopter to come forward with pictures and videos of the machine.

Police have also been provided video footage of an incident involving a different chopper operated by Helibrook on August 30, 2020.
Three tourists were in the helicopter with the call sign VH-XHB when it attempted to land to refuel after taking off for a scenic flight from the Top End Safari Camp.
Police will allege an alarm sounded before the chopper fell about 10 metres and made a hard landing.
Police will allege Wright was informed one of the tourists had taken a video of the incident.
After viewing the footage, it will be alleged Wright asked the tourist not to share the footage with anyone, before providing the passengers involved in the incident with free alcohol and refreshments.

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The lesson here for younger tour pilots is you need to make sure especially doing tourist flights you need to be squeaky clean. Every video camera by every tourist is recording your every move, and if something bad happens all that evidence is pretty easy to match up.

[Wannabe60Driver]

It gets better. The charges claim that IDW’s Hobbs was actually disconnected when it crashed- hence the rushed flight out there to get the scene squared away.

[hoverthrust]

I'm not sure the alleged Hobbs meter is the issue - if the lawyers go down that track there are holes in that argument. I've been in many machines that there is no Hobbs, it's broken or not accurate. It's the "accurate timepiece in charter" is the law, can be your watch. (also have to see the actual approved OPS manual what is agreed about time keeping). It is the I think the alleged not signing out the machine for the day 0 hours is a bit more serious and all the other accusations on the table.
Im hearing more to come when the ATSB report is out. Brace yourselves.

[Yankee]

If half of these allegations are true, then several people need to go to jail for a very long time & possibly some license suspensions.

Being a low time pilot trying to gain experience while financially “depleted” makes it difficult once you realize you’ve signed up to work for a
Dishonest/risky employer.

At the end of the day young pilots need to learn to protect their certificate.

[Wannabe60Driver]

I'm not sure the alleged Hobbs meter is the issue - if the lawyers go down that track there are holes in that argument. I've been in many machines that there is no Hobbs, it's broken or not accurate. It's the "accurate timepiece in charter" is the law, can be your watch. (also have to see the actual approved OPS manual what is agreed about time keeping). It is the I think the alleged not signing out the machine for the day 0 hours is a bit more serious and all the other accusations on the table.
Im hearing more to come when the ATSB report is out. Brace yourselves.

True, but the alleged disconnected Hobbs meter is what created the comedy of errors that’s about to play out in court.

Guessing there’ll be a few “genuine low hours, perfect service history, one elderly lady owner” 44s on the market in the territory soon….

[Freewheel]

Just a quick reminder;

For matters before a court, comments made on the case or the individuals can be found to be prejudicial to the principles by which the matters are proceeded.

As the arrest warrant refers to matters including “perverting the course of justice”, there is a fairly firm indication that authorities are looking to anybody with even the most casual knowledge of the persons of interest and their operation for information or with interest.

I would suggest that once any person is charged in relation to any matter, that people refrain from commenting on the matters lest they risk themselves (or the forum owner) being found in contempt of the court.

As some persons have been charged already, refraining from commenting might be a good idea right now and until the matters are all concluded.

[hoverthrust]

correct. Be very careful with comment.
If has been said in police documents or said in open court it can be mentioned as part of public record.
Most comment will proceed the words "alleged" as the journalists get out of jail card of what the accused faces before the charges are heard in a court of law

[skypig]

There have been some charges “alleged” that probably make turning off a Hobbs meter a relatively minor “alleged”, offence.

“Perverting the cause of justice”
“Destroying Evidence”
“Creating Evidence”

[Firefish]

Pilot: Hey boss, I’m really sorry but I’ve crashed your chopper.
Boss: Is the MR on fire?
Pilot: Aaahhh no boss.
Boss: Call me back when it is!
Pilot: WTF! OK.

[Wannabe60Driver]

‘….investigations were upgraded to systemic "when they are expanded to consider factors relating to organisations, processes, systems, cultures" and more.‘

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-13/ ... /101850600?