Name of killed Black Hawk pilot released
By 7News
The pilot killed in the Black Hawk helicopter crash off Fiji yesterday afternoon was 35-year-old Captain Mark Bingley.
Captain Bingley was killed when the helicopter he was in crashed into the HMAS Kanimbla while performing a training exercise.
One of the crew is still missing at sea
Captain Bingley was posted to Townsville to the 171 Aviation Squadron as a Qualified Flying Instructor on Black Hawk helicopters.
Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, said Captain Bingley served the Australian Army with distinction.
"All Australians should feel very proud of his courage and commitment," he said.
"Our sympathies go to all of Captain Bingley's family, in particular his wife and son."
Defence force chief, Air Marshal Angus Houston, also extended his condolences to the family and friends of Captain Bingley.
"He was an extremely competent and highly regarded member of the Army's aviation community," he said.
"Captain Bingley will be remembered as a dedicated pilot who had infectious energy and a great sense of humour."
Captain Bingley was born in Tasmania and enlisted in the Australian Army in 1990.
On completion of recruit training, he served for several years as a rifleman in The First Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and was promoted to the rank of corporal in 1997.
He was subsequently accepted for training as a helicopter pilot.
On completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Aviation Corps in 1998.
During his service he flew helicopters for the 5 Aviation Regiment in Australia and overseas and undertook training in the US.
He was awarded the United Nations Medal for service in Cambodia and East Timor, the International Forces East Timor Medal, the Australian Active Service Medal, the Defence Long Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.
He is survived by his wife and son.
Condolences to the family and friends
LowNr