Pilot caught out by Instagram video

Icelandic police are prosecuting a Reykjavik Helicopters pilot for breaking flight rules – on the basis of evidence posted on social media service Instagram.

Police closed off an area around the Holuhraun lava field, in response to a volcanic eruption, back in 2014. The pilot is accused of landing his helicopter and disembarking passengers within the prohibited area on three occasions (2 September, 4 September and 5 October).

On the third occasion, the pilot allegedly landed just 18 km from the erupting volcanic crater.

Among the body of evidence supporting the case against the pilot are a video posted on Instagram by Kazakh-Russian businesswoman and socialite Goga Ashkenazi, showing her walking outside near the site of the eruption.