I just got a call from Nigeria advising the HEX ID of the missing craft. It did not match the one we just detected. That we have found out is coming from an oil platform in the Niger Delta, possibly from a Helo. The signal has was not detected on the last satellite pass. So, the word could have gone around to the owners. We are still working on the HEX ID of the Aircraft in question. The details have just been made available to us.
From experience, it is not uncommon to find a distressed aircraft way off its planned flight path. On one rare incident, a KingAir flew past its destination without contacting the Air Traffic Control. Guess what happened when we intercepted it, both Pilots and passengers were all unconcious! There was nothing that could be done in the air, except follow them to where the auto-pilot took them to. Needless to say what the outcome was!
Another reported conducting an Instrument Approach in IMC conditions within the vicinity of the destination airport and disappeared. We found it way off the Instrument Approach path.
We dont take chances when it comes to Search And Rescue. We work with every bit of intelligence we can get.
I am very impressed how effective this forum is and the high level of concern people show towards helping one another.
Keep it up guys.
Last edited by AircraftCarrier; 18th Mar 2008 at 16:57.