Company says rides safe despite charges

The Fly By Wire operation at Kapiti, north of Wellington, is problem-free despite criminal charges being laid against the company's Queenstown operation, director Neil Harrap said.

He has vowed to fight the charges.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) filed three charges against the Queenstown operation in Wellington District Court last week.

Swedish tourist Anna Jonnson suffered multiple arm fractures in November when the thrill ride's self-powered rocket hit handrails on a building below.

Mr Harrap said yesterday that both the Kapiti and Queenstown rides were safe and the firm "welcomes its chance to clear its reputation in court. Obviously we regret the accident and want to have the matter heard, and this is the forum".

Minor changes had been made to the Queenstown ride, but the Kapiti ride, at Paekakariki, operated differently and no changes had been needed.

"It is a completely different setup," Mr Harrap said.

He said the Queenstown ride was largely automatic, whereas the Kapiti ride's hydraulic operation was controlled manually. And after the November accident the Kapiti ride had been extensively tested and found to be safe.

OSH Southland service manager John Pannett said that Fly By Wire Queenstown would face two charges under the Health and Safety in Employment Act and one under the Machinery Act.

The papers were served on Fly By Wire Queenstown and Mr Harrap on Monday.

Mr Pannett said the health charges covered an alleged failure to take all practicable steps to protect a former company employee (who was not injured) and the tourist.

The other charge covers the company's alleged failure to have an operating permit.

Mr Pannett would not comment on whether OSH had concerns about public safety at Fly By Wire's Queenstown operation.

Mr Harrap said the company was surprised at the prosecutions as less than three weeks before the accident the ride had been certified by OSH and Fly By Wire's consulting engineers, Wellington firm Dunning Thornton Consultants.

OSH recertified the operation after a non-injury accident on October 21 forced a week-long closure. Modifications were made to the winch after the rocket plane dropped about 3m to a rooftop deck.

Dunning Thornton Consultants, which was involved in designing and then certifying the rides, also faces a charge. It is understood it relates to whether the company was authorised to certify the ride's safety.

A preliminary hearing date is believed to have been set for Wellington District Court in the next fortnight.

- NZPA