Pilot charged in Norman Wells death

[KAG]

It's Not ok, nor do I condone it. That said anyone who tells me they have never done anything they knew to be wrong in any type of vehicle, let alone a plane, is a liar. I think punishment is in order, just not throwing the book at this guy.

[dash2/3]

seriously, no judge is going to "throw the book" at this guy.

receiving the max 14 years, is "throwing the book" at this guy.

receiving SOME jail time is NOT "throwing the book".

a lot of factors are considered,

You can be sure there will be a great deal of effort spent by the defence on a pre-sentence report. I don't know the guy, but he'll probably have little difficulty with below.

"A pre-sentence report may include the results of an interview with you, and, if appropriate, your parents and extended family. It may include the results of interviews with the victim. The report may also contain any information related to the case, such as information about:

- your age, maturity, character,

- attitude, behaviour and willingness to make up for the harm done;

- your plans about how you will change your behaviour so you can become a law-abiding member of the community.

- whether you have any previous history of criminal activity (for example, previous sentences or extrajudicial sanctions);

- the availability and appropriateness of community services, such as counselling, as well as your willingness to participate;

- your relationship with your parents, including the amount of control and influence your parents or extended family have over you;

- whether you attend school regularly and how well you perform in school; or
if you have a job and, if so, how well you perform at work.

Finally, the court will consider any other information that may help it decide whether there are alternatives to custody."

[Doc]

He'd better hope they sentence him BEFORE the new PC's "tough on crime" legislation passes. Otherwise, he could be hung out to dry as an "example" to others the way placing a head on a spike worked as a warning in by-gone years. While Texas has closed a prison for first time in their history, Canada is on a path to a "lock 'em up, and throw away the key" attitude towards crime. If the court takes this line, this lad could be looking at a long jail term indeed. To me, at least, prison should be reserved for persons that are a "threat" to themselves and others. Societies throughout the world have failed to learn that overly harsh/severe sentences (death penalty included) HAVE NOT resulted in a lesser crime rate! FACT......I looked this up......when states dropped the death penalty their violent crime rates actually DROPPED! Texas found that persons serving a long jail term were MORE likely to reoffend! If probation and rehabilitation was used, the reoffend rate dropped to less than 15% vs over 66% for those serving time in prison. AND, Texas's crime rate has actually dropped.
Incarceration certainly has it's place. This just isn't it.
While I feel for the family, the chap they want to "lock up" was a friend of their son's. As a message to society? Since "Joe Blow" can't even fly an airplane, who are you sending a "message' to? Us. I think most of us get the message already?

[Castorero]

Ah, Hypertestosteronemia Cerebralis...

I am willing to bet that all those that feel this was just a tragic event punishable by a good talking to, are a lot younger than those seeking jail time.

A decreasing testosterone level that comes with baldness and advancing age is directly proportional to one's maturity and sense of responsibility.

For as long as there will be young men in this world there will be tragic accidents of this type where some one will loose their life.

The only thing that might curb this appetite for dangerous excitement may be a prophilactic hemiorchidectomy carried out at, say age 16.

Unfortunately, once an undesired outcome occurs, whether it be the slight pregnancy of a casual encounter or the death of a dear friend, stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility as this young man has done is the only thing to do.

Regardless, society will demand some jail time, not a life time, but some time nonetheless.
Anything less sends a message that condones irresponsible behavior, excuses bad judgement and cheapens human life.

Just because we have all done stupid dangerous things while suffering from HTC, does not make it OK.

I empathize equally with all concerned. But one pilot remains dead.

[wotai139]

ummm....seriously? The feeling of shame as the only punishment?

That's absurd!

[Prairie Chicken]

Well put Castorero. I think you covered the issue pretty well.

[oldncold]

I reread all of the posts this unfortunate chain of events was like another chain of events in which a pilot of a pa31 ran out of fuel in downtown cywg .resulting in the similar charge of criminal negligence.

before flaming me look at the known facts //the most imortant one is PILOT IN COMMAND. accepted a risk that in their mind was manageble the event turned out to prove otherwise.

To sum up to prevent future tragedy I would encourge everyone here to read the new manditory sentences being put through the house of commons as we speak.

tread very lightly from now on the will be very little discretion left to the judges they will have no choice but to impose the min sentence and in these 2 cases in the future you will be meeting bubba in the shower at a correctional institution near you.

I aslo suspect this will enclude in case of wrongful death where operators and pilots fail to give proper and sufficient passenger briefings etc.

it is all about liability now cya the only way to avoid that is if it looks dangerous someone will sue. so don't / fly safe

[dirk82]

I find it hard that he is facing a possible maximum sentence of 14 years in a questionable act. When Vince li (grey hound bus killer) could not be found guilty of murder and is not criminally responsible for the crime because he was mentally ill at the time of the killing. He is currently serving a indefinite sentence at a psychiatric facility and can be released at a time when deemed safe. If this kid has to serve time and Vince li does not have to spend a day in jail there is something seriously wrong with our courts .

[Doc]

there is something seriously wrong with our courts .

Ya think?

[cdnpilot77]

Sentencing submissions were heard yesterday and judgement on sentencing will be released on January 9, 2012

http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local ... -went-awry

REGINA — A Guelph native suffered fatal head injuries last year after his bid to video a fellow pilot’s flying stunt took a terrible turn.

Guelph native William (Bill) Bleach Jr., 26, died after an incident on an airstrip in the Northwest Territories on May 10, 2010.

According to a Regina Leader-Post report, his final moments were captured in the video he’d been taking at the time. His friend and colleague, 24-year-old Parker J. Butterfield, was operating the Cessna 207 that clipped Bleach during the episode.

Butterfield has pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of an aircraft causing death. Although the incident took place at Fort Good Hope, NWT, Butterfield had asked the charge be waived into Regina for sentencing because it’s close to his hometown.

Sentencing submissions on his case were in court Wednesday. He is expected to be sentenced on Jan. 9.

According the Leader-Post’s account of the proceedings, court was told Butterfield had the respect and friendship of colleagues at North-Wright Airways Ltd. and was regarded as a “safe, competent pilot” with “sound judgment,” at the time of the incident.

Court was told however that a lapse in judgment saw him attempt a frowned-upon, maneuver called a “low and over” -- with Bleach attempting to video it from the airstrip.

As Bleach stood and operated his camera, Butterfield flew towards him. As he reached Bleach’s location, a gust of wind caught the small plane, causing the wing to dip and strike Bleach, resulting in severe head injuries.

According to the Leader-Post report the video, which had captured the dip of the wing, ended at the point of impact.

Butterfield helped provided first aid to Bleach. But he never regained consciousness and died three days later.

The court heard from Bleach’s family Wednesday.

Bleach attended John F. Ross high school and then went to Sault College, in Sault Ste. Marie, to study aviation technology. While living in Guelph, Bleach was part of the Guelph Gremlins Model Flying Club and was known for building and flying model planes.

He accepted a job with North-Wright Airways Ltd. in 2007 after graduating from the aviation technology-flight program at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie. North-Wright Airways Ltd., which flies people and freight among eight communities in the Northwest Territories using a fleet of 21 small aircraft.

[FlyGy]

9 months.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatche ... -1201.html

[Doc]

'nuf said...

[aileronroll]

shocked he only lost his licence for 2 years

[Sidebar]

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