I have had concerns with the GFA being involved in investigations, it
being both a regulator/standard setter and a quasi fraternal association.
Conflict of interest? Position to protect? That is why I asked.
For myself I would hope that the tenor of any involvement by the GFA
would be covered by the media euphemism ".........police are being
assisted in their enquiries" and no higher.
The reason the ATSB investigates aviation accidents is that it was
felt that CASA or its predecessor couldn't impartially investigate as
their own procedures and rules may have been a factor..
For this reason GFA shouldn't be investigating or "helping police
with their enquiries".
Now about that missing trace - *who* exactly tried retrieving it?
See the problem?
With the greatest of respect I do not share these concerns - at least
in the volunteer sector. Your experiences may be different of course,
and I respect that. Yes, one might suggest that there could be a
conflict of interest in any club or GFA report or investigation of an
accident, but either possibility rests very uncomfortably with my
experience of gliding over nearly 46 years, and my perceptions regarding
of the integrity of people who find their way to positions of experience
and trust which could involve them dealing with the factual
investigation and reporting of tragedies involving injury or death of
their friends and fellow enthusiasts.
Having been a GFA animal in an earlier lifetime, and in a role which
intruded into this area, I saw nothing at any time which suggested that
'conflict of interest' was ever a consideration or factor in the
analysis and discussion of those mishaps which sadly, we sometimes had
to deal with. I have no reason to believe that it would be otherwise
today.
For mine, I would far sooner have people who know and understand gliding
in particular and aviation in general investigating and reporting upon
an accident, than have to wait for a police report which will almost
certainly never be published, or a coroner's inquest some years later
conducted by people for whom this may have been their first contact with
the sport. Some of us already know from past experience the problems
that this can cause.
Finally I must say that I appreciate how difficult it is for Gary and
others in his club in this situation. It is the most dreadful
experience to suddenly be confronted with the reality that the sport we
love so much and derive so much pleasure from can also dump us in the
unthinkable tragedy we are now working through. Thank you Gary for
what you have shared so far. I'm sure that everyone has enormous
sympathy and empathy with you and your club members. A tragedy like
this touches and moves us all.
regards,
Terry N
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