Mount Isa detectives have charged a 31-year-old man with 342 offences following a protracted multi-agency investigation into the alleged tampering of aircraft at the Mount Isa Airport, Queensland Police say.
In October 2016, police from the Northern Region with assistance from officers from the State Crime Command, along with personnel from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and other government agencies commenced a major investigation – Operation Oscar-Demotic – after receiving information in relation to the damage of aircraft at Mount Isa Airport.
Following engagement with air charter operators at Mount Isa, it was established that the damage was limited to two private air charter service providers, and not the broader aviation community or major commercial operators. Advice from expert aviation engineers was that the aircraft had allegedly been damaged through the application of abrasive material directly into engines, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and the forced landings of two aircraft. Further engine failures that were detected prior to take-off occurred on another two aeroplanes.
A review of aircraft security and passenger safety at Mount Isa Airport was immediately commenced and additional measures were implemented to further ensure the safety of passengers and crews. There have been no further instances of aircraft being damaged, and police wish to reassure the travelling community of their safety.
Preliminary investigations identified a significant witness in relation to these incidents. Subsequent investigations conducted across Australia also identified this person as a significant witness in relation to a large number of alleged offences ranging from the dangerous operation of aircraft, fraudulent conduct relating to insurance claims and charter operations, as well as numerous safety breaches relating to aviation regulations. These incidents relate to activities conducted predominantly in North Queensland and involve charter operations from Charters Towers and Mount Isa.
The investigation also uncovered evidence relating to the alleged grievous bodily harm of an aircraft engineer at Charters Towers in July of 2014. As a result of this incident, a man aged in his 60s sustained permanent and life-changing head injuries. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have further information relating to this incident to come forward.
As a result of investigations, a 31-year-old Mount Isa man was arrested by Mount Isa detectives late yesterday afternoon, January 24.
Police have preferred 342 charges against the man, including numerous counts of endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent, dangerous operation of a vehicle, flying aircraft without a licence, fraud offences, and offences in relation to aircraft.
Bail has been opposed and the man will appear in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court on January 25.
Investigations are continuing and police are appealing for anyone with any information relating to this investigation to contact Crime Stoppers.
