Former pilot Garry Sotheran was not criminally negligent in the crash of an Ansett Dash-8 plane near Palmerston North nearly six years ago, the High Court in Palmerston North heard today.
Sotheran, 45, of Christchurch, has denied four charges of manslaughter and three of injuring passengers in the crash, which occurred in the ranges east of Palmerston North in June 1995.
The defence opened their case today, with lawyer Hugh Rennie QC saying many factors contributed to the crash, including defect in the aircraft and weather hazards around the ranges.
The Crown, which finished its case this morning after calling 68 witnesses, alleges Sotheran failed to maintain the height of the aircraft after being distracted by a problem with its landing gear while approaching Palmerston North airport.
The defence case is expected to last six days.
Defence case opens in Sotheran trial
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