robsrich
9th May 2005, 10:22
On Saturday 7th May 2005, at about midday, in poor weather conditions, an Aero-Tropics Fairchild Metroliner was on an instrument approach to a remote town in far north Queensland. Sadly, they hit a hill only a short distance from the Lockhart River Airport. All 15 aboard were killed instantly and consumed by the intense fire.
It is believed to be the worst airline accident for over 40 years. It has sent a shock waves through the aviation community as this country has enjoyed a very safe airline accident history. The violent impact and fire destroyed the distress beacon. The heavy rain forest swallowed up most of the wreckage and made detection from the air very difficult.
Due to the rugged terrain and difficult weather conditions, the bodies have not all been recovered; even after three days of attempts by the rescuers. Access is only by helicopter, and the weather conditions have delayed flights.
We often take for granted the efforts of paramedics, fire and rescue specialists, police and the aircrew that have to attend to many very unpleasant incidents. In this case, finding fifteen dead and burnt bodies was a dreadful outcome of a search in poor weather conditions in some of Australia’s most remote country.
The Queensland Government’s Bell 412 from the Cairns base was first on the scene. It was under the command of Queensland Rescue pilot Greg Kempton. An initial check by a rescue crewman showed little could be done for the hapless people in the burnt out wreckage. It was not the news the next of kin wanted to hear.
I am sure the rescuers will live with these memories for some time to come. (I have some personal experience, as an ex-rescue pilot from the same base, and I know what they are going through.)
After other incidents, the electronic media and printed press so easily mention in passing the people were saved or found by helicopter, with little other recognition, or naming of the service. It is so easy to say the patient was “airlifted to hospital”. The public expects this service, as they expect water to come from a tap in the kitchen. In much the same way as we ignore the plight of the policeman who goes to a road smash, or the paramedic who pulls a limp teenage body from a wrecked motor vehicle.
Sure, they are just doing their job. But sometimes that job is “beyond the normal” or call of duty
In this case, it was an event that in no way would be considered normal and we must take this opportunity to give these guys, both on the ground and in the air a vote of thanks, and our support.
On behalf of the HAA and all our helicopter industry in Australasia I would like to tell the rescuers that we do care and think about what they will recall in the months ahead.
Well done guys, we appreciate your efforts.
Rob Rich
President
Helicopter Association of Australasia
+61 415 641 774
It is believed to be the worst airline accident for over 40 years. It has sent a shock waves through the aviation community as this country has enjoyed a very safe airline accident history. The violent impact and fire destroyed the distress beacon. The heavy rain forest swallowed up most of the wreckage and made detection from the air very difficult.
Due to the rugged terrain and difficult weather conditions, the bodies have not all been recovered; even after three days of attempts by the rescuers. Access is only by helicopter, and the weather conditions have delayed flights.
We often take for granted the efforts of paramedics, fire and rescue specialists, police and the aircrew that have to attend to many very unpleasant incidents. In this case, finding fifteen dead and burnt bodies was a dreadful outcome of a search in poor weather conditions in some of Australia’s most remote country.
The Queensland Government’s Bell 412 from the Cairns base was first on the scene. It was under the command of Queensland Rescue pilot Greg Kempton. An initial check by a rescue crewman showed little could be done for the hapless people in the burnt out wreckage. It was not the news the next of kin wanted to hear.
I am sure the rescuers will live with these memories for some time to come. (I have some personal experience, as an ex-rescue pilot from the same base, and I know what they are going through.)
After other incidents, the electronic media and printed press so easily mention in passing the people were saved or found by helicopter, with little other recognition, or naming of the service. It is so easy to say the patient was “airlifted to hospital”. The public expects this service, as they expect water to come from a tap in the kitchen. In much the same way as we ignore the plight of the policeman who goes to a road smash, or the paramedic who pulls a limp teenage body from a wrecked motor vehicle.
Sure, they are just doing their job. But sometimes that job is “beyond the normal” or call of duty
In this case, it was an event that in no way would be considered normal and we must take this opportunity to give these guys, both on the ground and in the air a vote of thanks, and our support.
On behalf of the HAA and all our helicopter industry in Australasia I would like to tell the rescuers that we do care and think about what they will recall in the months ahead.
Well done guys, we appreciate your efforts.
Rob Rich
President
Helicopter Association of Australasia
+61 415 641 774