Fugro 406 Crash in Entebbe
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Rest in Peace guys and condolences to the families, it was my fisrt proper job flying surveys for Geoseis and I know how demanding it is, Fugro has a very high standard and a very good name in the business.
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I am extremely shocked by what happened, and even more so for losing two collegues, and friends.
There is nothing worse than losing a plane, and crew in such an unfortunate event.
This has been an aboslute shock to the whole company, and to all the field crew, especially with us aiming to maintain our standards to the highest degree. We all are in mourning, and praying for the families, friends and partners of the two crew member. They will live on in our memories!
I will also not speculate on what happened, as I was not there, but there is no need for speculation, as I know Fugro will launch an extremely thorough investigation, especially to ensure that all their crew will be safe.
I would like to say that Fugro is an amazing company to work for, and they strive to employ amazing people, to maintain impecable standards, and they support their staff through thick and thin. All of us are good friends, even before we are good collegues. They have been even more supportive of all the crew throughout Africa as I would have ever hoped for, and I will praise the company for the rest of my life.
To all the boys (and gals) in the field, we are there for each others, we are survey brothers, and together we shall stand!
To everyone at Head office, thank you so much for your support from back home, and thank you so much for standing behind us all of the way!
There is nothing worse than losing a plane, and crew in such an unfortunate event.
This has been an aboslute shock to the whole company, and to all the field crew, especially with us aiming to maintain our standards to the highest degree. We all are in mourning, and praying for the families, friends and partners of the two crew member. They will live on in our memories!
I will also not speculate on what happened, as I was not there, but there is no need for speculation, as I know Fugro will launch an extremely thorough investigation, especially to ensure that all their crew will be safe.
I would like to say that Fugro is an amazing company to work for, and they strive to employ amazing people, to maintain impecable standards, and they support their staff through thick and thin. All of us are good friends, even before we are good collegues. They have been even more supportive of all the crew throughout Africa as I would have ever hoped for, and I will praise the company for the rest of my life.
To all the boys (and gals) in the field, we are there for each others, we are survey brothers, and together we shall stand!
To everyone at Head office, thank you so much for your support from back home, and thank you so much for standing behind us all of the way!
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I had the great privilige of working for Fugro Airborne Surveys for two years from 2002-2004 and lost a colleague and friend in their last crash in Nampula. I knew Celina but unfortunately not the pilot. My deepest condolences and respect go out to the family who are suffering after their loss.
Fugro was a one-of-a-kind company to work for and I feel extremely lucky to have been part of such an organization. Their training was top-notch and the people I worked with second-to-non. I have so much debt to Oom Nols and Dawie who were chief Instructor and Chief Pilot at the time when we lost two highly experienced crew in their last crash. Unfortunately survey flying poses an inherant risk which every survey pilot and operator accepts but files somewhere distant when going out on a sortie.
My deepest condolences to the family for their lost. May your lost ones find peace and eternal rest after this terrible accident.
Fugro was a one-of-a-kind company to work for and I feel extremely lucky to have been part of such an organization. Their training was top-notch and the people I worked with second-to-non. I have so much debt to Oom Nols and Dawie who were chief Instructor and Chief Pilot at the time when we lost two highly experienced crew in their last crash. Unfortunately survey flying poses an inherant risk which every survey pilot and operator accepts but files somewhere distant when going out on a sortie.
My deepest condolences to the family for their lost. May your lost ones find peace and eternal rest after this terrible accident.
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Erad we are going to miss you , your valuable imputs and knowledge will always remain as will the high regard in which you were held ...Heather we are very sorry for your loss. Silly be , there can only be one Auntie and I so enjoyed flying with you my friend and for your cool and calm approach to everything , and your valuable and wise words to me , I will always remember , our thoughts go out to your boy . Rest in peace my friends
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ZS-NVD
A second plane from Fugro crashes, three years and 6 months later then the plane that was based in Nampula with my fiancee, Andries Adriaan van der Walt.
After all this time it is still hurting. Still nobody can exactly explain what happend just before ten o'clock on the 20 Apil 2004.
What is strange to me is that the news report has simular phrases like:
ZS-NVD:
The twin-engined Cessna, believed to be a 402 model crashed in the town's main Liberdade Square on Tuesday, shortly after leaving Nampula airport, about 2 000km north of Maputo.
Uganda crash:
Frere said the Reims F406 twin turbine aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at Entebbe airport at about 6.40am on Wednesday.
“Both perished in the accident after the aircraft crashed within the parameters of the airport,” he said.
I know that Fugro handled everything as respectfull as possible, but who would you blame if Fugro took away the person you loved the most.
In memory of Andries van der Walt.
After all this time it is still hurting. Still nobody can exactly explain what happend just before ten o'clock on the 20 Apil 2004.
What is strange to me is that the news report has simular phrases like:
ZS-NVD:
The twin-engined Cessna, believed to be a 402 model crashed in the town's main Liberdade Square on Tuesday, shortly after leaving Nampula airport, about 2 000km north of Maputo.
Uganda crash:
Frere said the Reims F406 twin turbine aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at Entebbe airport at about 6.40am on Wednesday.
“Both perished in the accident after the aircraft crashed within the parameters of the airport,” he said.
I know that Fugro handled everything as respectfull as possible, but who would you blame if Fugro took away the person you loved the most.
In memory of Andries van der Walt.
Last edited by ZS-NVD; 12th Oct 2007 at 18:51. Reason: mistake
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ZS-NVD,
Saying that Fugro is to blame for taking away your loved one is very harsh. Whilst I sympathise with your loss, Andries wasn't taken from you by them. He died sadly whilst doing the job he loved. I'm sure he wouldn't want the memory of him to be tainted by blame for his former colleagues.
Saying that Fugro is to blame for taking away your loved one is very harsh. Whilst I sympathise with your loss, Andries wasn't taken from you by them. He died sadly whilst doing the job he loved. I'm sure he wouldn't want the memory of him to be tainted by blame for his former colleagues.
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WhinerLiner
Totally agree , it is very sad to hear of any crew losing their lives in an ACCIDENT but what we all in the industry must find out is WHY !!!!!!!!
I travelled back home to Entebbe last week and was slightly horrified that this Aircraft is still within sight of BA ,KLM ,SN BRUSSELS, KQ ,SAA and all the other smaller operators in Entebbe (Quote International Airport all starring at one Aircraft that has crashed and still visible.
Understand investigations need to be made but for god sake cover the aircraft with a taupaling or tent
I travelled back home to Entebbe last week and was slightly horrified that this Aircraft is still within sight of BA ,KLM ,SN BRUSSELS, KQ ,SAA and all the other smaller operators in Entebbe (Quote International Airport all starring at one Aircraft that has crashed and still visible.
Understand investigations need to be made but for god sake cover the aircraft with a taupaling or tent
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After the crash 3 years ago, being a C 404, they changed the fleet to 406's because they are turbines. So where to now? Is the 406 still a very safe machine? Unfortunately I'm on helicopter and not a fixed wing expert.
I must admit that its not the best site, touching down and a wreck is lying on the side of the runway
I was in Entebbe just over a week ago. Has it been removed yet?
Condolences
I was in Entebbe just over a week ago. Has it been removed yet?Condolences
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Hello,
First off, i wish to convey my sympathy to all those affected by the Fugro incident that sparked the emergence of this thread.
I would like to take this oppertunity to ask any current or ex Fugro employees what the min requirements are for applicants. I am planning on travelling to S.A. to complete 0-CPL and would like to know what the oppertunities are, particularly at Fugro for a newly qualified pilot. Do I need to have completed the full ATPL before hand? If so are there any oppertunities in Africa for CPL qualified pilots? I would like to earn during the period i study for the ATPL and if I can fly for a wage as well as gaining the hours to complete said ATPL, I would be very happy!!!!!
I don't wish to return to the U.K. and convert my licences straight away, I would like the oppertunity to do some 'real' flying and have some 'adventure', esp. in Africa, drink some Castle, or Mosi if i can, eat some billtong, ostrich is my preference and alot of Pop.....smoke peter stuyvesant and get a gruff voice!
Any help on the CPL and Fugro employment oppertunites is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rubes
First off, i wish to convey my sympathy to all those affected by the Fugro incident that sparked the emergence of this thread.
I would like to take this oppertunity to ask any current or ex Fugro employees what the min requirements are for applicants. I am planning on travelling to S.A. to complete 0-CPL and would like to know what the oppertunities are, particularly at Fugro for a newly qualified pilot. Do I need to have completed the full ATPL before hand? If so are there any oppertunities in Africa for CPL qualified pilots? I would like to earn during the period i study for the ATPL and if I can fly for a wage as well as gaining the hours to complete said ATPL, I would be very happy!!!!!
I don't wish to return to the U.K. and convert my licences straight away, I would like the oppertunity to do some 'real' flying and have some 'adventure', esp. in Africa, drink some Castle, or Mosi if i can, eat some billtong, ostrich is my preference and alot of Pop.....smoke peter stuyvesant and get a gruff voice!
Any help on the CPL and Fugro employment oppertunites is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rubes
Last edited by Rubes; 23rd Oct 2007 at 18:29. Reason: I hope i don't offend anyone by using this thread
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Vertical Reference, just to clear up a few things. Twin turbines are a minimum requirement in tendering for most oil company survey jobs. No twin turbine, no contract. The crews are secondary beneficiaries of this. Were the client is not involved and true colors shine through is in the use of a C210 for crew rotations at Fugro on many jobs. Four guys plus luggage for 8 weeks must fly themselves to were ever, in an aircraft they are not current nor familiar with. Don’t fool yourself those 406’s were bought for the sole purpose of the client not the crews well being.
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Rubes, Fugro sometimes take pilots with 200-300 hrs of experience. Because they know so much training goes into doing their job and by the time you are qualified to do survey on your ace you would have more hours than expected. Such intense training goes on at Fugro that the insurance companies have even agreed to cover their pilots with such low hours. I'm not the fixedwing expert but I don't think you se alot of 300hr pilots flying PIC on a Caravan or C406.
On the helicopter side they won't accept alot of pilots below 500 hrs. Mostly because this requires a bit more experience because it is a much lower and tighter way of flying compared to the fixedwings.
So at the end of the day when you have your CPL and perhaps IF rating... apply at Fugro. I know they are currently looking for fixedwing and helo drivers.
On the helicopter side they won't accept alot of pilots below 500 hrs. Mostly because this requires a bit more experience because it is a much lower and tighter way of flying compared to the fixedwings.
So at the end of the day when you have your CPL and perhaps IF rating... apply at Fugro. I know they are currently looking for fixedwing and helo drivers.
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Fugro crashes and turbines
To Oompilot and NVD:
You know what they say about opinions - they're like ***holes - everyone's got one and they're full of the same thing. Fugro's decision to move away from pistons and onto turbines was very much a safety - and to far lesser extent, a commercial - decision. It was largely based on experience in flying survey in mountainous and windy Madagascar. Of course turbines help when tendering to the Oil & Gas industry, but Fugro moved to the F406s before the O&G market started to become viable. And to say that the crews are secondary says more about the writer's cynicism than having any real info re Company culture concerning commitment to individual wellbeing and safety. Re the wreck at Entebbe, it remained on site for as long as it did because the Uganda Investigation Committee prohibited the removal. Re the C404 accident in Nampula in 2004 - the Mozambique CAA has, to date, not produced an investigation report. ICAO is aware of this.
You know what they say about opinions - they're like ***holes - everyone's got one and they're full of the same thing. Fugro's decision to move away from pistons and onto turbines was very much a safety - and to far lesser extent, a commercial - decision. It was largely based on experience in flying survey in mountainous and windy Madagascar. Of course turbines help when tendering to the Oil & Gas industry, but Fugro moved to the F406s before the O&G market started to become viable. And to say that the crews are secondary says more about the writer's cynicism than having any real info re Company culture concerning commitment to individual wellbeing and safety. Re the wreck at Entebbe, it remained on site for as long as it did because the Uganda Investigation Committee prohibited the removal. Re the C404 accident in Nampula in 2004 - the Mozambique CAA has, to date, not produced an investigation report. ICAO is aware of this.
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406 v's 404
Aside from the safety aspect of turbine engines in the 406, lets not forget about the cost of avgas.Up north it is often 3 times the price of jetA1, thats if you can get it in the first place.
Fugros decision to get rid of the 404 with its GTSIO 520 Engines was a good one and i don't think it had anything to do with oil companies
requirements.
Maxweight
Fugros decision to get rid of the 404 with its GTSIO 520 Engines was a good one and i don't think it had anything to do with oil companies
requirements.
Maxweight
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A little respect
Lesley
I think it would be great if you could have a little respect for those who have lost loved ones in aviation related accidents.
Did you not read that NVD is the fiance of someone who has passed away - I sincerely doubt you know how that feels so instead of mouthing off statistics you could try a little sympathy huh.
NVD - I never knew your fiance but I have worked with a lot of the guys who did, I can tell you that even as recent as a year ago his name is still mentioned in crews and there are only good words said about him.
I knew the crew who crashed in Uganda, and I have the same feeling as you - with concerns that there will be no final report of what the cause of the accident was.
I was also broken by the fact that Fugro did not even place a statement on their national or International website about what happened.
Nothing will ever take away your pain, and my heart goes out to you beyond what words can say. I hope that you find happiness again
I think it would be great if you could have a little respect for those who have lost loved ones in aviation related accidents.
Did you not read that NVD is the fiance of someone who has passed away - I sincerely doubt you know how that feels so instead of mouthing off statistics you could try a little sympathy huh.
NVD - I never knew your fiance but I have worked with a lot of the guys who did, I can tell you that even as recent as a year ago his name is still mentioned in crews and there are only good words said about him.
I knew the crew who crashed in Uganda, and I have the same feeling as you - with concerns that there will be no final report of what the cause of the accident was.
I was also broken by the fact that Fugro did not even place a statement on their national or International website about what happened.
Nothing will ever take away your pain, and my heart goes out to you beyond what words can say. I hope that you find happiness again
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Uganda: Entebbe Plane Disaster Blamed On Human Error
The Monitor (Kampala)
15 February 2008
Tabu Butagira
Kampala
AFTER four months of intensive work with forensic examinations across three continents, investigators into the September 26, 2007 fatal plane crash at Entebbe International airport have concluded that human error apparently caused the 8-seater Cessna aircraft to crash.
"On examination of the plane wreckage," said Mr Simon Ejua - the state minister for transport, "the (investigation) team found that the rudder trim was set to the full left at the time of the accident as opposed to the normal (central) take off setting".
The rudder trim is a control device that helps aircraft pilots or boat captains adjust aero- or hydro-dynamic forces and stabilise the vessel or aircraft in a particular desired attitude, according to the Wikepedia.
"Since the rudder trim was set to full left position, it forced the aircraft to veer to the left during take off," minister Ejua said. Mr Moses Adriko, the chairman of the 5-member Ugandan probe team, handed over the findings to the governmnet yesterday, declaring thus: "The investigative team determines that the probable cause of the accident was in-flight loss of control due to loss of airspeed and subsequent stall of the aircraft at low altitude".
Eyewitnesses interviewed told the probe team that the aircraft took off normally in clear weather from Runway 17 at Entebbe airport and appeared to be climbing normally until it attained an altitude of 1,500 meters when it suddenly hurtled down and crashed.
The South African pilot, Erard Keyter and the technician, Selina Mareme from Botswana, who South African-based Fugro Airborne Surveys (Pty) Ltd Company had employed to carry out mineral explorations in the country, died instantly.
Minister Ejua, flanked by Civil Aviation Authority Board chairman Zephania Baliddawa and Managing Director Ambrose Akandonda said the deceased would be compensated by their insurers and not the Uganda government because "there was no fault on our part".
The investigators, who began their work on September 27, 2007, after assessing the operational factors; inspecting the accident site, studying the plane wreckage and testing its different parts, concluded that the plane was "airworthy both mechanically and structurally".
Daily Monitor has learnt that the tests were done in South Africa, France (in Europe) and the United States.
The Uganda government has promised to send copies of the report to South Africa, where the plane was registered and pilot licenced and also to the manufacturers in France to inform their operational decisions of Reims/Cessna aircrafts.
"The ministry of transport is going to review the report in consultation with various stakeholders, including CAA and airline operators in the country," minister Ejua said yesterday, adding: "The necessary remedial actions will be undertaken to avoid re-occurrence of similar accidents in future".
The other members of the Mr Adriko-led probe team included the team secretary, Ms Patiricia Asiimwe, a Senior State Attorney in the office of the Attorney General, Mr Ben Kwobe - a Principal Airworthiness Surveyor, Mr Robert Ntambi (Senior Air Transport Regulation officer in the ministry of Works) and Captain Paul Tamale, a senior pilot with DAS Air cargo.
The Monitor (Kampala)
15 February 2008
Tabu Butagira
Kampala
AFTER four months of intensive work with forensic examinations across three continents, investigators into the September 26, 2007 fatal plane crash at Entebbe International airport have concluded that human error apparently caused the 8-seater Cessna aircraft to crash.
"On examination of the plane wreckage," said Mr Simon Ejua - the state minister for transport, "the (investigation) team found that the rudder trim was set to the full left at the time of the accident as opposed to the normal (central) take off setting".
The rudder trim is a control device that helps aircraft pilots or boat captains adjust aero- or hydro-dynamic forces and stabilise the vessel or aircraft in a particular desired attitude, according to the Wikepedia.
"Since the rudder trim was set to full left position, it forced the aircraft to veer to the left during take off," minister Ejua said. Mr Moses Adriko, the chairman of the 5-member Ugandan probe team, handed over the findings to the governmnet yesterday, declaring thus: "The investigative team determines that the probable cause of the accident was in-flight loss of control due to loss of airspeed and subsequent stall of the aircraft at low altitude".
Eyewitnesses interviewed told the probe team that the aircraft took off normally in clear weather from Runway 17 at Entebbe airport and appeared to be climbing normally until it attained an altitude of 1,500 meters when it suddenly hurtled down and crashed.
The South African pilot, Erard Keyter and the technician, Selina Mareme from Botswana, who South African-based Fugro Airborne Surveys (Pty) Ltd Company had employed to carry out mineral explorations in the country, died instantly.
Minister Ejua, flanked by Civil Aviation Authority Board chairman Zephania Baliddawa and Managing Director Ambrose Akandonda said the deceased would be compensated by their insurers and not the Uganda government because "there was no fault on our part".
The investigators, who began their work on September 27, 2007, after assessing the operational factors; inspecting the accident site, studying the plane wreckage and testing its different parts, concluded that the plane was "airworthy both mechanically and structurally".
Daily Monitor has learnt that the tests were done in South Africa, France (in Europe) and the United States.
The Uganda government has promised to send copies of the report to South Africa, where the plane was registered and pilot licenced and also to the manufacturers in France to inform their operational decisions of Reims/Cessna aircrafts.
"The ministry of transport is going to review the report in consultation with various stakeholders, including CAA and airline operators in the country," minister Ejua said yesterday, adding: "The necessary remedial actions will be undertaken to avoid re-occurrence of similar accidents in future".
The other members of the Mr Adriko-led probe team included the team secretary, Ms Patiricia Asiimwe, a Senior State Attorney in the office of the Attorney General, Mr Ben Kwobe - a Principal Airworthiness Surveyor, Mr Robert Ntambi (Senior Air Transport Regulation officer in the ministry of Works) and Captain Paul Tamale, a senior pilot with DAS Air cargo.
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"Since the rudder trim was set to full left position, it forced the aircraft to veer to the left during take off,"
"appeared to be climbing normally until it attained an altitude of 1,500 meters when it suddenly hurtled down and crashed."
Really????
"appeared to be climbing normally until it attained an altitude of 1,500 meters when it suddenly hurtled down and crashed."
Really????