Accident Angola on Friday

[international hog driver]

Link here

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/australian-and-four-others-die-in-helicopter-crash/2007/11/19/1195321616629.html

Any one know whom? CHC? SONAIR? or was it the AAS Allo'?, I cant get in contact with those I know there and that worries me.:uhoh:

[Chopper Jog]

My GOD....this is terrible news! I am with CHC in Angola and have assisted Kotie the other day to get started in Luanda with a flat battery. There were 2 ZS-registered helicopters parked on the tarmac here for 1-week awaiting over flight clearances. I even passed my contact details to Kotie to send his CV to me....so this comes as a great shock!

My sympathy and condolences goes out for the family and friends of these guys!

Chopper Jog

[777Contrail]

Hey Kotie.

Great to have known you!

121.5 out!

[Sensible Garage]

sad news

anyone knows the operator, type and perhaps tail #?

[caiman27]

Here is an announcement which appeared on BHP Billiton's website 17 November regarding this accident.



It is with great regret that BHP Billiton confirms a helicopter crash in which five people have died in Angola. The crash occurred late yesterday afternoon (Friday 16 November) approximately 80km from the Alto Cuilo Camp, a diamonds exploration facility in north eastern Angola.
Late yesterday afternoon (Friday 16 November 2007), two helicopters struck bad weather as they were transporting personnel to the Alto Cuilo Camp. Both helicopters were forced to land. When the weather cleared the helicopters took off again. Shortly thereafter communication between the two helicopters was lost. The first helicopter tried to re-establish communication with the second, and when it was not able to do so, returned to the agreed rendezvous point where they had taken off after the storm. The second helicopter remained there overnight and at daybreak this morning, the search commenced. The wreckage of the second helicopter was located. Tragically, none of the passengers had survived the crash.
The deceased are David Hopgood (Australian; Chief Operating Officer – BHP Billiton Angola), Kevin Ayre (British; Operations Manager – Angola Technical Services), Kottie Breedt (South African; Pilot - Wild Dog Helicopters), Guy Summerfield (British; MMC) and Louwrens Prinsloo (Namibian; Prinsloo Drilling). Next of kin have been contacted.
BHP Billiton's current focus is the safety and well being of the staff at our Angolan operations and the provision of support to the families of the deceased. All operations in Angola have been suspended and an investigation has been launched. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased at this time.

[industry insider]

It was an AS350 (not sure which exact denomination)

Operator was Wild Dog Helicopters from South Africa, company had fairly recently been audited but not sure who by or any findings.

[Arctic303]

I spent many years flying with Kottie in the SA Airforce. He was an amazing person. He was dedicated to everything that he attempted in his life. He had a passion for life and was always willing to go the extra mile, both for himself and for others. He had so much wisdom to offer and helped everyone around him, in any way that he could.

Condolences to his family. You have lost a very special pesron in your lives.