Seaplane pilot fined in collision sequel

Press, 22 February 1980, Page 4

Seaplane pilot fined in collision sequel

PA , Whangarei A collision between an amphibian aircraft and a runabout in which a man and his daughter died at Russell on April 14 last year had its sequel in the Magistrate’s Court at Whangarei yesterday. The pilot, John Frederick Commins, of Auckland, de-i nied a charge of failing to proceed at a speed so that he could take proper and effective action to avoid a collision. He also denied a charge of failing to keep the seaplane out of the way of another power-driven vessel on its right side when they were crossing and a charge of failing to maintain a proper lookout.

Convicting Commins, Mr J. R. Aubin, S.M. said it might be that only when something tragic occurred a common practice was proved unsafe.

On each charge he fined Commins $2OO. Evidence was given by witnesses that the aircraft,' doing about 30 knots, and the runabout, doing about 15 knots, collided before either could take real evasive, action.

The accident occurred in calm, clear conditions.' The rising sun was almost directly ahead of the aircraft.

Mr Noel Wynyard and his daughter Julie died' in the accident.