BK117 C-1 crash PNG
On another forum, but for those that knew him...
Media Statement Aircraft accident off the New Ireland coast, Papua New Guinea, Friday 13th September 2019
It is with great sadness we have to announce the loss of our Director and owner, Captain Phillip Emeck in a helicopter accident late Friday morning, 13th September. Phil was repositioning the aircraft from Buka to Tokua, when he encountered bad weather close to New Ireland. The aircraft impacted the water, with only one of the two crew onboard making it to shore. We are especially thankful to Jurgen Ruh of Niugini Heliworks, for retrieving our surviving staff member, and bringing Phil back to Kokopo. Phil was a former member of the Papua New Guinea Defence Organisation, where he flew helicopters, and later continued in civilian flying, until finally starting Tribal Aurora Helicopters. Thank you to those who have offered their support and sympathy, and we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this sad and difficult time.Due to the ongoing investigation in to the accident, we will not be making any further comments.