Manslaughter charge for balloon owner
The owner of a Northern Territory ballooning company has been charged with manslaughter following an investigation into the death of a tourist.
NSW woman Steph Bernoth was preparing to climb into a hot air balloon basket when her scarf was sucked into an inflating fan, causing serious neck injuries, in July 2013.
The 35-year-old died a week later in hospital.
Pilot Jason Livingston, who had bought Outback Ballooning just days before the incident, has been charged with manslaughter over the incident.
NT WorkSafe will also prosecute the company with a failure to comply with health and safety duty, the ABC reported.
An investigation by the Australian Safety Transport Bureau, is due to be handed down next month.
It is understood Mr Livingston will face court in November.
