2 Pilots Charged in Ski Lift Deaths Face New Counts
New charges have been filed against two Marine aviators--already charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide--whose jet cut a ski lift cable in the Italian Alps, killing 20 people.
The pilot, Capt. Richard J. Ashby, and Capt. Joseph P. Schweitzer, the navigator, were charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice, Marine Corps Forces Atlantic said Saturday.
An Article 32 hearing, the equivalent of a civilian grand jury hearing, will be held to determine whether the two should face courts-martial on the charges. No date has been set for the hearing.
Ashby and Schweitzer already faced 20 counts each of involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide, as well as dereliction of duty, destroying military property and destroying civilian property. They could be imprisoned for life if found guilty.
The EA-6B Prowler sliced the cable during a training flight, dropping a gondola full of skiers to the ground.
Prosecutors contend the plane was flying too fast and too low when its wing hit the cable Feb. 3.
Defense lawyers say the ski lift was not shown on maps issued to the crew.
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