Flt Lt Euan Duncan

[arfurmoth]

I have received an e-mail today to inform me that Flt Lt Euan Duncan, formerly an engineering officer that left the RAF and joined the RAAF last year has tragically been killed in an aircraft accident. Euan was a good friend that desperately wanted to fly and had spent a lot of money gaining his commercial tickets.. Sadly since leaving the RAF last year the job market was not good and he had joined the RAAF in the interim. I believe he died in a light ac crash yesterday. I am unable to provide more information at this stage but can say no more than to offer my heartfelt thoughts to his family and other friends at this deeply upsetting time.

[mr hanky]

Very sad news indeed. I had the pleasure of knowing Euan both in the UK and out here in Australia; he was a fine colleague and 'good egg' who will be greatly missed. Deepest commiserations to his family and friends.

[scran]

Gents,

On the Downunder Forum was news of a Tiger Moth crashing near one of our bases on the weekend. Perhaps this is linked to Euan's passing as mentioned here.

<img src="frown.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[THR IDLE]

Very sad indeed. We were engineers together at Valley. A man who risked his life and saved others in the Storms on Everest in 1996....tragic.

[ 18 February 2002: Message edited by: BIG ISSUE ]</p>

[gijoe]

Big Issue - see you've signed on then after my phone call earlier on. I'm sorry to read this also considering his love of dangling on string up mountains.

g

[MAD DOG SCOTT]

We saved each others lives on the top of Aconcagua, So sorry not to be there to do it again mate. You will always be in my thoughts buddy.

[scran]

Gents:

Confirmed. Euan Duncan and Flying Officer Luke Morrall (son of ex-GPCAPT Phil Morrall-long time staff officer Admin to CAF) were killed when the Tiger Moth they were flying crashed near Willaimtown on Saturday.

Newspaper report claims the aircraft spiralled out of control and crashed during a landing attempt at Willy.

Has two photos of the aircraft, which was virtually destroyed when it hit trees.

Condolances to the families. <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[ 18 February 2002: Message edited by: scran ]</p>

[Surditas]

Our CO sent around confirmation today of the accident from the OIC RWFC (RAAF Williamtown Flying Club):

"Regret to confirm reports you may have heard today or over the weekend that an aircraft accident occurred at approx 1525 hr on Sat 16 Feb 02 involving a DH-82 Tiger Moth Aircraft operated by the RAAF Williamtown Flying Club (RWFC). Both occupants were unfortunately fatally injured on impact with the ground. The accident site is not located within the Base Boundary.

The persons on board were FLTLT Euan Duncan and FLGOFF Luke Morrall.

NSW Police and Bureau of Air Safety Investigations (BASI) are enquiring into the circumstances of the accident. Eyewitness reports published in the media suggest that the aircraft apparently suffered a structural failure in the circuit area whilst preparing to land at WLM after a local flight. Any further speculation as to the circumstances would, of course, not be appropriate. No further information will be made available pending the outcome of investigations by the appropriate authorities.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the RWFC members to thank RAAFSECPOL, WLM ATC, Chaplains, DCO and all others who provided assistance over the weekend and continue to provide assistance to the club through this difficult period.

Any details in relation to the funerals or memorial services for Euan and Luke will be publicised after consultations with authorities and their families. It is not anticipated that these will occur before next week."

Very sad news. I knew Euan from when I was a cadet at OTS in 1998 and he was DS on exchange from the RAF and young Luke when he was on navigator's course. Decent blokes both.

[ 20 February 2002: Message edited by: Surditas ab alto ]</p>

[Mad Pax]

Having spoken to some who had worked and climbed with Flt Lt Duncan, I understand that he was awarded a 'Man of the Year' title for rescuing two colleagues in danger on Everest, abandoning his own summit bid in the process. A sad loss.

[MATZ]

I was on Euan's flight at Cranwell in 1990, and had the pleasure of working with him many times since then. I am sure he will be sadly missed by many.

My thoughts go out to the families,

MATZ

[KDL]

All very sad for someone who had worked so hard to fly. Having worked with Euan at IOT, my thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family.

[Kittty125]

Mad as a box of birds but a top chap! At least he went doing what he loved. He will be sadly missed.

[wwwwildwelshwomen]

Euan was a great friend of ours whilst at Valley and to this day we have never forgotten him. He climbed Everest, he did what he wanted to do and he lived life to the full. The wildwelshwomen will miss him so much. Hope Graham(his Sengo at the time) has been informed. They were little and large. Our friendship will always live on - until we meet again (Sweetie x x )

[Croqueteer]

He plied me with beer in the hotel opposite the Post House in Edinburgh and I did my best, without luck, to get him a flying job in our company, as I thought he would be a great asset and a good guy to fly with. Very sad.

[schlarp2]

I am greatly saddened by the loss of Dunc. I am an RAAF pilot who was instructed by him at Officer Training School in Point Cook, near Melbourne. Thoughts to his family, a great bloke who will be missed.

[robspottydog]

I heard today ----------gutted-----2 mates in 2 years, yep matz, we were all at 6 flt 127 cranditz,, sad I won't hear his happy, chirpy voice again.

I know I will find my fate among the fickle clouds above

I fight those that I do not hate, defend those that I do not love...............

(apologies to Yeats)

[arfurmoth]

I have received information that Euan's Scottish Funeral service will take place at Morton Hall Crematorium Edinburgh on March 9th at 12.00.

[Red Otto]

Along with anyone else who has had the privilege of serving with Euan, I am deeply saddened by his death. At DIOT he earned himself the name 'Vortex Minor'as his paperwork came a poor second to the contribution he made to many people who now serve in the RAF. He had his priorities in the right order! He lived life to the full but sadly for him and all those whose lives he has touched - it was too short.

[fiona flynn]

Many thanks to all who put a message on board. I have been a friend of Euans for 30 years and have been handling info for his parents. We have now returned from Oz with Euan.. .. .Euans funeral arrangements for Scotland are now confirmed and it will be 11.30am on the 9th at MortonHanll Crematorium in Edinburgh with a get together for all after at the Minto Hotel in Edinburgh. We have all been devastated by the news and appreciate all the kind words. Euan was unique and had a great capacity to make people laugh - and drink. . .. .I am putting together a compilation of stories and pictures for his parents from friends and colleagues so would appreciate any stories you would like to send me - include name, how you met Euan, where and story -photos welcome. This is to give them more memories about Euan as they did not know as much about his work/play side of his life as an adult. [email protected]

[KDL]

Fiona. .Thankyou for your organization last Sat, at the funeral, during difficult times. Extremly moving and extremely sad. However, the day did bring together a few old friends who managed to reminise in the way Euan would have appreciated... a few drinks too many... a reunion we will repeat this time next year somehow, somewhere... with a toast to absent friends.. .Take care. .KDL

[fiona flynn]

Many thanks for all the messages sent and for those who came to the funeral. There were so many lovely stories and photos passed around after the service, at the hotel, that it was nice for his family to share a few happy memories on such a sad day. Euan will be dearly missed by all.