Vale Adrian Wagg
It can be confirmed that Adrian Wagg, the longtime manager and helicopter pilot of Laynhapuy Aviation (Laynha-Air) was tragically killed when his Bell Jetranger crashed near Doindji in the Mitchell Ranges.
Adrian was a very experienced pilot and had worked and lived in the N.E. Arnhem land area for many years. I've had the pleasure of accompanying Adrian on numerous flights in the region and was constantly amazed with how intimately he knew the land and how adept he was at controlling his "machine".
I know that many pilots currently employed in the industry have Adrian and Laynha-Air to thank for giving their career a huge kick-start. It was a great company in which to hone your flying skills in the bush and fill the pages in your log book.
Adrian worked tirelessly for a cause he believed in and was a champion of the Aboriginal people in the area. He will be sorely missed.
My thoughts go out to his family and to the families of all the victims of this shocking accident.