Reckless flying charge for pilot who ditched Thruster T500 ultralight aircraft in Bass Strait, Tasmania, Australia

PHOTO: Shayd Hector and Joel Nelson received cuts in the crash and were treated for hypothermia before flying home to Newcastle after the 2013 crash. 

The pilot of an ultralight aircraft that ditched in Bass Strait off Tasmania's north-east coast two years ago has been charged with reckless flying.

Shayd Hector of Tingira Heights in New South Wales is charged with the reckless operation of an aircraft, flying an aircraft without a license, and consuming alcohol within eight hours of flying an aircraft.

The Commonwealth prosecutor alleges the offenses took place at or near Bridport on October 28, 2013, endangering the life of Hector's passenger, Joel Nelson.

The pair were rescued from the sea near Waterhouse Island that afternoon after their Thruster T500 ultralight crashed into the sea.

After the crash, they described clinging to debris fearing they could be attacked by a shark.

Hector did not enter pleas and was ordered to return to the Launceston Magistrates Court in February.

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au