KAS Eastern DRC crew shot?
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: South Africa
KAS Eastern DRC crew shot?
Any news on 2 aircrew shot in eastern DRC? I believe King Air Services contract on 1900. Would appreciate any news, preferably that this is a rumour and that the thread should end here.
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: JNB
UN news
UN News
A UN peacekeeper and 2 contractors in the Eastern DRC were shot dead by insurgents
UN peacekeeper, contractors killed by insurgents in north-western DR Congo
“The blue helmet was killed after he had been deliberately targeted by an insurgent while he was standing at the top of an armoured vehicle,” the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUC) said.
The peacekeeper who was killed came from Ghana. One of the dead UN contractors was working at the airport, and the other, a pilot, was shot by the assailants when they were being chased out of the airport.
Whilst the death of any peacekeeping / humanitarian volunteer is unacceptable and tragic, lets hope and pray that it was was not a fellow pilot from KAS.
A UN peacekeeper and 2 contractors in the Eastern DRC were shot dead by insurgents
UN peacekeeper, contractors killed by insurgents in north-western DR Congo
“The blue helmet was killed after he had been deliberately targeted by an insurgent while he was standing at the top of an armoured vehicle,” the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUC) said.
The peacekeeper who was killed came from Ghana. One of the dead UN contractors was working at the airport, and the other, a pilot, was shot by the assailants when they were being chased out of the airport.
Whilst the death of any peacekeeping / humanitarian volunteer is unacceptable and tragic, lets hope and pray that it was was not a fellow pilot from KAS.
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Johannesburg
from AvCom • View topic - Andre Balt RIP
Have just been informed that well known DC3 pilot and all around gentleman Andre Balt was killed in a rebel attack on their base in the DRC.
RIP Andre.
RIP Andre.
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Kinshasa DRC
Contacted a friend of mine at the airport who reported the pilot was killed with a machette - Drc is still a war zone not unlike Afganistan or Irak - You taught us to respect the Dak so it will respect us - Your a legend - RIP Andre
Last edited by Mobotu; 6th April 2010 at 18:58.
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Mayberry
My God....
I didn't know Mr.Balt. May his soul rest in peace under the protection of the almighty.
I would appreciate any further names involved. It would be nice to know if I could help an old friend in need.
I would appreciate any further names involved. It would be nice to know if I could help an old friend in need.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Boldly Going Nowhere
RIP My Friend Andre
This is a very sad day for those of us that knew Andre. Love him, or hate him, he was such a unique individual that he always left an impression on everyone he met.
Strength and prayers for his family - particularly his two daughters that he loved probably more than anything else.
Biggles, we shared a lot of adventures together on the Dak, and I will always be honoured to have your name in my logbook. May those big radials always start first time up there................
Strength and prayers for his family - particularly his two daughters that he loved probably more than anything else.
Biggles, we shared a lot of adventures together on the Dak, and I will always be honoured to have your name in my logbook. May those big radials always start first time up there................
Joined: Jan 1998
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From: Where the job is!
Very sad news.
It does raise questions about what protection is available for UN contract staff. They are sent into areas where hostilities take place or are likely to occur, which is why the UN is there. Therefore they should receive adequate protection.
Are they issued with body armour and firearms? What sort of security is provided for their residences, offices and hangars? What sort of perimeter defences are there for airfields? There should be safe zones around airfields to prevent short range attacks on arriving and departing aircraft.
What sort of life insurance/ compensation is provided? Ordinary life insurance policies are usually invalidated if the insured ventures into lawless or war stricken areas.
Someone needs to do some thinking and provide some answers! Anyone considering a job with a contract company needs to get these questions answered before hiring on.
It does raise questions about what protection is available for UN contract staff. They are sent into areas where hostilities take place or are likely to occur, which is why the UN is there. Therefore they should receive adequate protection.
Are they issued with body armour and firearms? What sort of security is provided for their residences, offices and hangars? What sort of perimeter defences are there for airfields? There should be safe zones around airfields to prevent short range attacks on arriving and departing aircraft.
What sort of life insurance/ compensation is provided? Ordinary life insurance policies are usually invalidated if the insured ventures into lawless or war stricken areas.
Someone needs to do some thinking and provide some answers! Anyone considering a job with a contract company needs to get these questions answered before hiring on.
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Johannesburg
Andre's daughters have requested those wanting funeral details to contact them here [email protected]
I will miss you my friend
Lindsay
OK invalid hash PM me for deatails
I will miss you my friend
Lindsay
OK invalid hash PM me for deatails
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Saldanha Bay
RIP My Friend
Andre, we started our aviation career together way back in 1967. You were a great friend and we crossed paths all over the world over the years. now we will again cross paths in a better place someday. Deepest sympathy too your family.
Budgie
Budgie
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: In this very moment of a short life.
Im am deeply saddened by Andre's murder and feel sorrow for his family.
Andre loved adventure and the unknown, his exploits will remain with me forever.
Rest in peace old warrior.
Andre loved adventure and the unknown, his exploits will remain with me forever.
Rest in peace old warrior.
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Dad
Thank you Lindsay for offering our details here, Thank you to everyone who posted messages. He definately was the best Dac pilot around. To us, his daughters, absolutely the greatest Dad in the world...
If anybody would like to attend the service, please contact me at [email protected] (The service will probably be early next week). Please pass on the word. We have no contacts for most of his friends and colleagues.
Love you Dad, Uncle Biggles, Top Gun. Always.
Your daughters, Cally and Caitlin
xox
p.s if anyone has pictures of Andre, or any stories we may enjoy hearing, please send them to the e mail address above.
If anybody would like to attend the service, please contact me at [email protected] (The service will probably be early next week). Please pass on the word. We have no contacts for most of his friends and colleagues.
Love you Dad, Uncle Biggles, Top Gun. Always.
Your daughters, Cally and Caitlin
xox
p.s if anyone has pictures of Andre, or any stories we may enjoy hearing, please send them to the e mail address above.