I refer to the article titled “Aero show crash could have been avoided” (TMIS, 17 September).
Such blatant sensationalism is unworthy of what I regard to be a serious and balanced newspaper. Even the title of the article is inaccurate! Not to mention the nationality of the deceased pilot who was in fact Swedish and not Hungarian. The rest is replete with more assumptions, insinuations and inaccuracies.
It is quite clear that the “expert” consulted to churn out what has been presented as some exclusive coup for the Independent on Sunday, either was not present during trials on Saturday or else does not know what he/she is talking about. The wind on Saturday was very light and this can be checked from the met office records and photos taken on Saturday that show a calm sea.
The wind on Sunday was northeasterly at about 12 knots at the time of the accident. Moreover, the mouth of Marsamxett harbour is almost 400 metres wide and the St Elmo bastions are only 30 to 40 metres high. Hardly enough to create any funnelling effect. In any case the accident happened outside the harbour and this rules it out as having been the result of such effects, real or perceived.
It would have been wiser had the author consulted a professional pilot who flies aerobatic aircraft. These aircraft are not to be confused with the piston engined touring and training aircraft usually seen flying around. It is like comparing a normal family car to a top quality sports car. What would look and feel dangerous in the former would be perfectly safe in the latter. Likewise, the pilots participating in the event were not only very experienced in their field but most are/were national aerobatics champions.
It has to be kept in mind that this is a very new sport and the Malta Aero GP was only the second such event to have been organised to date. There are lots of lessons to be learnt and unfortunately sometimes someone gets hurt or worse in the process.
Formula 1 GP racing has gone through this painful process and today we rarely hear of a fatal accident in that sport. Motor racing has helped make much safer and better handling cars and I shudder to think where we might be without the developments brought about by this sport.
The Civil Aviation Directorate together with the organisers formulated specific rules to make sure that any danger to third parties would be avoided and this has been clearly demonstrated. One of these rules specifically prohibited overtaking inside the harbour.
The number of eyewitnesses and video footage at the disposal of the experts conducting the inquiries should guarantee that the truth be arrived at. Even the onboard cameras fitted to both aircraft involved have been retrieved and these will prove useful in the investigation.
It is not right to hurl presumptuous hypotheses. With hindsight any accident can be avoided. It would be better to ponder the reaction of Gäbor's partner who watched him crash with their infant son in her arms. She has expressed the hope that the Aero GP series continues so that his death would not have been in vain. I understand that she has agreed, indeed, insisted, that the film be produced and that it will depict the complete event without shying away from the whole truth, as a tribute to the great Gäbor Varga.
On a different and positive note one must be grateful to all the private and government agencies and organisations involved. They (and I dare not even try to mention them for fear of leaving someone out) worked miracles to make it possible to hold this event in just seven weeks. Their enthusiasm, cooperation and professionalism proves that Malta can do it. Thank you.
Charles Sammut
Targa Gap