Ball Bay fatal crash pilot Peter Thomas McDougall faces court in Mackay

The trial of a man accused of causing a fatal plane crash north of Mackay that claimed the life of a grandfather has been further delayed by the man’s legal team.

The lawyers for the pilot in the Ball Bay fatal crash have requested more time to assess an “extensive” brief of evidence.

Lawyers for a man accused of manslaughter after a Christmas Eve plane flight joy ride went horribly wrong have asked for more time.

Peter Thomas McDougall’s amateur-built Jodel D11 light allegedly had engine trouble and crashed at Ball Bay on December 24, 2021.

The crash resulted in the death of Mr McDougall’s 83-year-old passenger, Kuttabul grandfather Gerardus Miltenberg.

Mr McDougall’s lawyer Eugene O’Sullivan told Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday that he had received a “pretty extensive brief from police prosecutions” but advised it would “take time” to assess the materials.

Kuttabul 83-year-old Gerardus Miltenburg, known as Gerry, died in a plane crash at Ball Bay on Christmas Eve 2021.

“I’ve employed a specialist aviation lawyer to assist me with the matter,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We need at least another two months to have it properly investigated.

“We plan to employ a specialist mechanic to look at the wreck and give us a report on that.

“And we also propose to have our bloke (Mr McDougall) analysed in terms of his flying abilities.”

The fatal plane crash at Ball Bay, north of Mackay, on Christmas Eve 2021. Photo: Janessa Ekert

Mr O’Sullivan requested at least two months to make the necessary assessments.

Mr McDougall is charged with manslaughter, unlawfully carrying out maintenance, and breaching the Civil Aviation Act by flying an aircraft without a licence and not satisfying safety requirements.

He is also charged with producing and possessing marijuana, as well as possessing used pipes.

Magistrate Michael Bice adjourned the matter to September 12.

Mr McDougall’s bail was enlarged.