RFDS Aircraft Crash
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RFDS Aircraft Crash
Heard on the news this AM that an RFDS aircraft has gone down at Mount Gambier. Possible multiple fatalities. Apparently the aircraft was from PAG and was collecting a patient before heading for SY. Hope its not true, if it is my deepest sympathies to the families.
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According to ABC online news, one dead, deepest sympathies to all involved... 
(QUOTE)
Tue, Dec 11 2001 7:23 AM AEDT
One dead after flying doctor crash in SA
One person has died after a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) aircraft crashed near the city of Mt Gambier in South Australia's south-east, last night.
The RFDS says a Beech 200 aircraft apparently came down just before midnight (ACST), in an area called Dismal Swamp, about 15 kilometres north of Mt Gambier.
The aircraft, with two crew members on board, had come from Port Augusta to Mt Gambier to fly a six-year-old boy to Sydney for medical treatment.
However, a spokesman for the RFDS says no passenger was aboard the plane at the time.
One of the crew is believed to have died from injuries and the other is believed to be not as badly hurt.
No other details have been released and police have sealed off the crash site.
Officers from the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation will head to the scene today to determine the cause of the crash.
(QUOTE)
Tue, Dec 11 2001 7:23 AM AEDT
One dead after flying doctor crash in SA
One person has died after a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) aircraft crashed near the city of Mt Gambier in South Australia's south-east, last night.
The RFDS says a Beech 200 aircraft apparently came down just before midnight (ACST), in an area called Dismal Swamp, about 15 kilometres north of Mt Gambier.
The aircraft, with two crew members on board, had come from Port Augusta to Mt Gambier to fly a six-year-old boy to Sydney for medical treatment.
However, a spokesman for the RFDS says no passenger was aboard the plane at the time.
One of the crew is believed to have died from injuries and the other is believed to be not as badly hurt.
No other details have been released and police have sealed off the crash site.
Officers from the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation will head to the scene today to determine the cause of the crash.
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The RFDS provide a service to regional areas of our country that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Too often we may take that service for granted, not giving a thought to the sfaety of those who crew the aircraft.
It is a cruel hand that takes a life whilst they are serving to save another.
Mine and my families thoughts are with those concerned.
Deepest Sympathy JTH
It is a cruel hand that takes a life whilst they are serving to save another.
Mine and my families thoughts are with those concerned.
Deepest Sympathy JTH
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A complete tragedy very close to home.
What on earth does this say about the standard of medical care in our 2nd. or 3rd. biggest city? Don't let be a wasted life.
Fly high son, fly high.
What on earth does this say about the standard of medical care in our 2nd. or 3rd. biggest city? Don't let be a wasted life.
Fly high son, fly high.
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Posted :Tue, 11 Dec 2001 9:55 AEDT
Investigation begins into fatal flying doctor crash
A full investigation will begin today into last night's crash of a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) aircraft near Mt Gambier in South Australia's south-east which killed one of two crew members aboard the plane.
The Beechcraft 200 aircraft apparently came down just before midnight (ACDT), in an area called Dismal Swamp, about 15 kilometres north of Mt Gambier.
It had been sent from Port Augusta to fly a six-year-old boy to Sydney for medical treatment.
The RFDS says no other passengers or patients were aboard the plane at the time.
No details have been released on the identity of the dead crew member, believed to be the pilot.
A 34-year-old woman also on board, sustained minor injuries.
The acting chief executive officer for the RFDS, Ollie Kratounis, says the news is devastating.
"It's a tragic event that has occurred," Ms Kratounis said.
"At this time our priority is the concern with our staff and families and we sympathise with all families involved in it."
She says their services will be maintained despite the crash.
"A critical response plan is in place to address this accident and we're ensuring that the provision of our services is being maintained."
Loud bang, cries for help
Witnesses have described hearing a loud bang and then cries for help after the fatal crash.
Leah Pilgrim and her father Dave Wright, who are shearing on the Mudla Wirra property just east of the crash site, were awoken at about a 11:45pm.
Ms Pilgrim says the crash sounded like a gun being fired outside her door.
"And then everything just went quiet and about 10 minutes later I heard cries for help, 'somebody help me please help me'," Ms Pilgrim said.
Mr Wright said he knew something had gone wrong.
"You could just hear this voice yelling out 'cooee' and that sort of thing and 'help' and 'I'm over here', I heard that particularly and I thought God, what's going on," he said.
"The next thing all the flashing lights came and I thought God, something's gone wrong."
Investigation begins into fatal flying doctor crash
A full investigation will begin today into last night's crash of a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) aircraft near Mt Gambier in South Australia's south-east which killed one of two crew members aboard the plane.
The Beechcraft 200 aircraft apparently came down just before midnight (ACDT), in an area called Dismal Swamp, about 15 kilometres north of Mt Gambier.
It had been sent from Port Augusta to fly a six-year-old boy to Sydney for medical treatment.
The RFDS says no other passengers or patients were aboard the plane at the time.
No details have been released on the identity of the dead crew member, believed to be the pilot.
A 34-year-old woman also on board, sustained minor injuries.
The acting chief executive officer for the RFDS, Ollie Kratounis, says the news is devastating.
"It's a tragic event that has occurred," Ms Kratounis said.
"At this time our priority is the concern with our staff and families and we sympathise with all families involved in it."
She says their services will be maintained despite the crash.
"A critical response plan is in place to address this accident and we're ensuring that the provision of our services is being maintained."
Loud bang, cries for help
Witnesses have described hearing a loud bang and then cries for help after the fatal crash.
Leah Pilgrim and her father Dave Wright, who are shearing on the Mudla Wirra property just east of the crash site, were awoken at about a 11:45pm.
Ms Pilgrim says the crash sounded like a gun being fired outside her door.
"And then everything just went quiet and about 10 minutes later I heard cries for help, 'somebody help me please help me'," Ms Pilgrim said.
Mr Wright said he knew something had gone wrong.
"You could just hear this voice yelling out 'cooee' and that sort of thing and 'help' and 'I'm over here', I heard that particularly and I thought God, what's going on," he said.
"The next thing all the flashing lights came and I thought God, something's gone wrong."
BJ Lothario.Guest
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When a 15,000 hour veteran of the RFDS meets his end in a swamp at midnight you have to wonder what on earth happened to cause him to crash. He was one of my closest friends.
Single pilot IFR in RFDS aircraft on short notice IMC flights, must surely demand the greatest of flying skills. Why then does the RFDS crew these flights with only one pilot?
Is it lack of money?
If a fraction of the millions spent by the government on welfare cheques to the aborigine communities whom the RFDS serve, could have been spent on the employment of a co-pilot on these mercy flights, it is possible that Smithy could be alive today.
Many corporations demand that their employees who travel by air in GA aircraft are to be flown by two-pilot crews. It costs extra, but it is a much safer proposition. For whatever reason, The RFDS has elected not to follow this path.
The RFDS operate sophisticated turbo-prop aircraft in all weathers, night and day, and are justly proud of their safety record. But regardless of aircraft sophistication and high pilot experience, there is a significant risk inherent in night circling approaches flown by a single pilot. This is exacerbated by the urgency of a mercy flight.
Throw in night operations to remote airstrips preceded by hurried flight planning, and it was inevitable that an accident was on the cards, sooner or later.
In view of these well known risks, why has not the RFDS and/or CASA insisted on a two-pilot operation? Forget a wonderful auto-pilot, weather radar and the best GPS on the market. Fine aids they may be, but they can never substitute for another qualified pilot in the right hand seat.
Heaven only knows, there are enough unemployed instrument rated commercial pilots only too happy to be of service in this regard.
Single pilot IFR in RFDS aircraft on short notice IMC flights, must surely demand the greatest of flying skills. Why then does the RFDS crew these flights with only one pilot?
Is it lack of money?
If a fraction of the millions spent by the government on welfare cheques to the aborigine communities whom the RFDS serve, could have been spent on the employment of a co-pilot on these mercy flights, it is possible that Smithy could be alive today.
Many corporations demand that their employees who travel by air in GA aircraft are to be flown by two-pilot crews. It costs extra, but it is a much safer proposition. For whatever reason, The RFDS has elected not to follow this path.
The RFDS operate sophisticated turbo-prop aircraft in all weathers, night and day, and are justly proud of their safety record. But regardless of aircraft sophistication and high pilot experience, there is a significant risk inherent in night circling approaches flown by a single pilot. This is exacerbated by the urgency of a mercy flight.
Throw in night operations to remote airstrips preceded by hurried flight planning, and it was inevitable that an accident was on the cards, sooner or later.
In view of these well known risks, why has not the RFDS and/or CASA insisted on a two-pilot operation? Forget a wonderful auto-pilot, weather radar and the best GPS on the market. Fine aids they may be, but they can never substitute for another qualified pilot in the right hand seat.
Heaven only knows, there are enough unemployed instrument rated commercial pilots only too happy to be of service in this regard.
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Vale Wilbur.
We spent many an enjoyable hour in both the Dash 7 and F28 in PNG skies. It saddens me when another long term aviator passes on, Bamahuta taubada.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Peter Sharpe.
We spent many an enjoyable hour in both the Dash 7 and F28 in PNG skies. It saddens me when another long term aviator passes on, Bamahuta taubada.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Peter Sharpe.
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Smithy was a good friend and Instrumental in my own career. I had a year on the B200 with the RFDS and agree with Hudsons comments on the night circling approaches in all wx types. He will be sadly missed. My condolences too his family.
See ya mate.
See ya mate.
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Smithy,thanks for giving me a leg up mate. I was just another baggy a*$ed bush pilot when you recruited me to your circle of 'ratbag rif raf',it was a pleasure working with you in the 'rfters'. I learn't so much and will always be proud to have been a part of such a unique service. Sorry I could'nt see it through buddy, I guess the big city is no place for people like us.
I have never met anyone that helped so many people like me and it's great to see that a lot of them have made it.
It's a mystery to me where you ever got all that energy from, you lived life to the full and your enthusiasm was infectious.
Hudson, you sure got it right, Wilber used to say the same thing to me over and over and then over again. (He was good at that)!
I don't know if anyone else is familiar with this saying 'the best thing you can do is come and the worst thing you can do is stay', ahh, another classic Wilber line.
I'm going to pour a beer after work at the club on Friday and even though you did'nt drink beer much you're going to have one with me and every one else you ever helped or inspired. You are sorely missed by us all.
Goodbye my friend, I will never forget you.
Our sincere condolences are with your family at this time.
I have never met anyone that helped so many people like me and it's great to see that a lot of them have made it.
It's a mystery to me where you ever got all that energy from, you lived life to the full and your enthusiasm was infectious.
Hudson, you sure got it right, Wilber used to say the same thing to me over and over and then over again. (He was good at that)!
I don't know if anyone else is familiar with this saying 'the best thing you can do is come and the worst thing you can do is stay', ahh, another classic Wilber line.
I'm going to pour a beer after work at the club on Friday and even though you did'nt drink beer much you're going to have one with me and every one else you ever helped or inspired. You are sorely missed by us all.
Goodbye my friend, I will never forget you.
Our sincere condolences are with your family at this time.
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Boy's parents pay tribute to pilot lost in RFDS crash
The parents of the Mount Gambier boy who missed out on a liver transplant after a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane crashed on its way to collect him, have paid tribute to the bravery of the crew.
Teresa Cracknell and Tony Hayward say their six-year-old son Jesse has been on the waiting list for a liver transplant for three months and must have the operation within the next year.
They have wished the survivor of the crash, flight nurse Alice Brennan, a speedy recovery.
But in particular, Mr Hayward expressed their sympathy for the family of 54-year-old Brian Smith, the pilot who was killed.
"I think the pilot involved was very brave and tremendous to go through what he did for someone else, to save another life, but unfortunately it did happen," he said.
"The family involved, the children I feel so sorry for because I know they're not going to have a father for Christmas."
The parents of the Mount Gambier boy who missed out on a liver transplant after a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane crashed on its way to collect him, have paid tribute to the bravery of the crew.
Teresa Cracknell and Tony Hayward say their six-year-old son Jesse has been on the waiting list for a liver transplant for three months and must have the operation within the next year.
They have wished the survivor of the crash, flight nurse Alice Brennan, a speedy recovery.
But in particular, Mr Hayward expressed their sympathy for the family of 54-year-old Brian Smith, the pilot who was killed.
"I think the pilot involved was very brave and tremendous to go through what he did for someone else, to save another life, but unfortunately it did happen," he said.
"The family involved, the children I feel so sorry for because I know they're not going to have a father for Christmas."
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Brian..... one of life's true gentleman ! Sorry to hear the news..... I worked with Brian at Air Niugini...... in my first few weeks in PNG he went out of his way to get me settled in.....nothing was ever too much trouble for him..... what a sad year...we also had Tim Georgetti(ex PNG) pass away a few months ago.
You will be missed Brian.
You will be missed Brian.