I agree someplace.
EBCAU-word on the street is that he may have been between 2 layers of cloud.After Tabubil-Waiotape,Fane & Tolukuma area would have some of the most rapidly changeable weather in PNG.
Got a mayday call out but it went unanswered.He had an IFR endorsement.Machine went in with power on.Another helicopter tradgedy in PNG but for my money you are going to see a few more yet with some of the muppets being employed up there with zero mountain time & even less WEATHER experience not too mention underslung load time.
Remember mountain time is considered to be operations above 8000'. Operating at these altitudes you are definately going to get changeable weather.Does Australia even have anything above 7-8 grand? The Aussie licence doesn't even have a mountain flying prerequesite for the licence issue!
What's my point?
You keep sticking mildly experienced pilots from Australia into that mountainous and weather critical environment that is mainland PNG then be prepared to accept the consequences.