Chuck, yes both had survived the impact.
The passenger died soon after and the pilot walked off. His body was found some distance from the wreck in kunai grass at high altitude days after the air search was called off.
His tracks indicated he had avoided contact with villages, perhaps concussed. Would have been dogs barking etc.
I spoke to them both in Lae before they took off, admiring the pilots new camera.
If you ever thought a fixed wing aircraft couldnt be operated like a helicopter a ride with Sypho in the Porter on that search would have proved you wrong.
Very sad.
Dec.1973.