Pilots in Brazil crash return to U.S.

[Judi Lynn]

Dec. 9, 2006, 8:52PM
Pilots in Brazil crash return to U.S.

By FRANK ELTMAN Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — Two U.S. pilots detained in Brazil for more than two months following a midair collision that killed 154 people arrived home in Long Island on Saturday to a rousing welcome from friends and family.

Joseph Lepore, 42, and Jan Paladino, 34, were greeted by a crowd of around 200 cheering people after their plane arrived just before noon at Long Island MacArthur Airport.
(snip)

The pair were detained in Brazil after the small executive jet they were flying collided Sept. 29 with a Gol Airlines Boeing 737-800 over the Amazon jungle. All 154 people aboard the Gol flight were killed, while the smaller jet landed safely with all seven people aboard unharmed.

Before leaving Sao Paulo on Friday, the men were formally accused of playing a role in the air disaster, Brazil's deadliest. If convicted, the men could face 12 years in prison. Their attorney has labeled the accusations absurd.

Lepore, of Bay Shore, N.Y., and Paladino, of Westhampton Beach, N.Y., were allowed to return to the U.S. after signing a document promising to return to Brazil for their trial or when required by local authorities.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4391248.html

[wakeme2008]

1. There will never be a trial, Brazil is just Covering Their Ass and they know it

That was a brand new plane built in Brazil and it's plane location transmitter was not working, and the Brazilian Air Traffic Controllers did not pick it up.

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

2. Saw a report somewhere as well

that the Brazillian ATC cleared them to the wrong altitude. Suspect that there is allot here that Brazillian authorites are not telling us. My suspicion is that they don't want their ATC or company to accept responsibility b/c they don't want to pay out any money. If the US pilots are convicted, I suspect we will see a lawsuit against the company these guys were working for or the US govt.