TAIC InterimReport into Carterton Balloon Accident

[fyl]

From Stuff this a.m.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/6894716/Balloon-crash-pilot-had-smoked-cannabis-report

and the actual report..
static.stuff.co.nz/files/balloonreport.pdf

The pilot of January's balloon tragedy in Carterton was flying with cannabis in his system when he crashed, killing all 11 people on board.

Toxicology tests performed on the body of Lance Hopping, 53, four days after the crash returned positive for cannabis, with the discovery described as "concerning" by investigators.

The findings were part of an interim report issued by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) this morning, four months after the balloon struck powerlines, caught fire and crashed into a field on January 7.

The report also includes a detailed description of the events leading up to the balloon striking powerlines, and the horrific moments shortly after as the basket caught fire.

[philip]

CAA chief executive Graeme Harris said he was "disappointed" by evidence of cannabis use in the crash and the Fox Glacier crash of a parachuting plane in September 2010, in which nine people died.

He said an education and safety promotional campaign was planned addressing the issue.

I think Mr Harris needs to put down the bong and really address the issue with a regulated testing program

[jonesy]

Yes, but cannabis can stay in the system for a number of weeks to be "detected", although the press is probably going to portray these guys as dope fiends, sharing a doobie right before takeoff. Trust me, I'm as anti-drugs in the workplace as most professionals, but this report will need to be balanced by saying HOW much was in his system.
In the forestry industry there is regular random drug/alcohol testing, and its probably the same in other industries also. Maybe its time to extend it to the aviation industry?

[lesterpk]

It is in Aussie, CAA requires companies to have a DAMP (Drug and Alcohol Management Plan). I can be randomly tested by either the company or CAA.

[slackie]

AirNZ has random testing now