http://cairnspost.newspaperdirect.co...er/viewer.aspx
Here is a dramatic picture taken minutes after the event.
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One still photographer, one cameraman on board as well as another (not small) adult passenger and pilot, add in floats video and camera kit.
Left hand front and rear doors can't be seen in any of the pictures so perhaps they were shooting on the pilots blind side.
Whilst we dont know what caused this accident others have found that a photo mission in gusty conditions with 4 on board can leave a R44 near the limit of operation or recovery.
Passenger is quoted saying "We were hovering getting really good pictures"
If true enough said.
The last thing on the photogrpahers mind is the direction of wind, he just wants the subject to appear in his field of view. indeed Steven Nowakowski told "CairnsBlog" that they gathered a great number of images and footage.
"My camera was totally destroyed, but I managed to rescue the memory card," Steven said.
Maybe he was in shock when he said that.
I wish them luck with their environmental campaign.
A side point, is it a good idea anyway to pop the foats in such conditions to "cushion" impact?
Mickjoebill