Help AOPA Help Overturn Les Woodall’s Unjust Conviction

Imagine being punished for trying to save lives in an impossible situation. That’s the nightmare facing Les Woodall, an experienced pilot who now battles a shocking conviction after a tragic accident. We urgently need your help to fund his legal appeal and fight for justice—not just for Les, but for every pilot facing split-second decisions in emergencies.

The Incident: A Pilot’s Worst Fear

On January 10, 2017, Les was flying a Cessna 172 near Agnes Water, Queensland, when disaster struck. During a low level beach inspection, the engine failed during cruise flight. With seconds to react and no safe landing spot ahead, Les made a critical choice: he turned toward the beach, aiming to avoid the deadly risks of ditching in the ocean. Tragically, the plane crashed, resulting in one passenger’s death and severe injuries to others, including Les himself, who suffered devastating fractures.

The Conviction: A Miscarriage of Justice

In December 2024, Les was convicted of dangerous operation causing death and grievous bodily harm. The prosecution argued he should have kept the wings level, pointing to standard pilot training. But there’s a critical flaw: that “wings level” guideline applies to engine failures during takeoff, when a plane is slow, low, and unable to maneuver. Les wasn’t taking off—he was at cruise speed, with more energy and options. Turning toward the beach wasn’t reckless; it was a reasonable decision to avoid a water landing, where planes often capsize, risking everyone on board.

This conviction ignores the reality of Les’s situation. It’s like punishing a driver for swerving to avoid a child, only to hit a tree. Les tried to save lives—and now he’s being branded a criminal.

The Stakes: A Dangerous Precedent

AOPA Australia calls this a miscarriage of justice with far-reaching consequences. If this verdict stands, any pilot could face jail for an accident, even when making sound decisions in a crisis. This threatens the entire aviation community.

Why We’re Raising Funds

We’re launching this GoFundMe to cover Les’s legal fees for his appeal. Every dollar will help overturn this flawed conviction, with any surplus supporting aviation safety initiatives. Your support can right this wrong and protect pilots everywhere.

Why You Should Donate

Justice for Les: Stand up for a pilot unfairly punished for a tragic accident.

Protect Pilots: Fight the criminalization of reasonable emergency decisions.

Unite the Community: Join the aviation world in this critical cause.

AOPA Australia’s Plea

Les Woodall isn’t a criminal—he’s a pilot who faced an engine failure at low level and tried to save his passengers. The training cited doesn’t apply to cruise flight. This was an accident, not a crime. Help us appeal this ruling."

Donate Now—Every Bit Counts

Your contribution can change Les’s life and safeguard aviation’s future. Please donate today and share this campaign. Together, we can deliver justice for Les and ensure no pilot is punished for trying to do the right thing.