THE takeoff by a Pacific Blue pilot in fading light from New Zealand's Queenstown could have resulted in a catastrophic accident, a senior civil aviation executive has told a court.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) general manager of airlines Mark Hughes was giving evidence at a defended trial in the Queenstown District Court of a 54-year-old Papakura pilot accused of operating a plane in a careless manner during take-off from Queenstown in June 2010.
The flight was bound for Sydney.
The CAA laid the charge, which carries a maximum fine of $NZ7000 ($5,458).
The flight was meant to leave at 4.30pm local time, but did not take off until 5.25pm - 20 minutes before official twilight - in poor weather and fading light.
The cut-off point for flights from Queenstown Airport was meant to be 30 minutes before twilight.
Mr Hughes told the court that had there been any significant wind change during the takeoff, it could have resulted in a "catastrophic runway excursion", Fairfax reported.
If the aircraft had suffered an engine failure, it would not have been able to climb, Mr Hughes said.
"The consequences of this could have been catastrophic.
"The defendant's decision to depart created a high-risk situation if the aircraft suffered an engine failure."
He said the takeoff in poor conditions was "a recipe for an accident".
Mr Hughes also told the court the captain and the first officer declined to be interviewed by the CAA.
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