A north coast joyflight pilot who flew too low and crashed, killing an 11-year-old girl, has been given a suspended sentence.
John Patrick Crumpton was behind the controls of the light aircraft, when he flew too low and crashed into power lines near Ewingar in April 2014. Also on board were David Whitten and his 11-year-old daughter Kayla.
Crumpton was charged with Kayla’s manslaughter and later acquitted but found guilty of reckless flying charges.
At a sentencing hearing today, Crumpton’s lawyer told the court his client had suffered a momentary lapse of judgement but had “the best of intentions for the enjoyment of his passengers”.
The court heard a victim impact statement from Mr Whitten who described how he had tried to save his daughter’s life. He also told the court he relives the incident every day.
Crumpton was sentenced to 15 months with the sentence fully suspended.
