Details on a Papua New Guinea accident.
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Details on a Papua New Guinea accident.
Hi,
I am just trying to find the details of an accident that happend in the mid 90's in Papua New Guinea involving the death of my uncle Nick Lee, who was i believe piloting the plane at the time. Supposedly the plane had landed and then either ground looped, or flipped with a gust of wind. This is all i have ever been able to get out of my family on what happened but as i have now gotten into aviation as a carreer i have become more interested in the case but unable to find out anything about it.
Thankyou to anyone able to provide me with some information about the accident.
SO
I am just trying to find the details of an accident that happend in the mid 90's in Papua New Guinea involving the death of my uncle Nick Lee, who was i believe piloting the plane at the time. Supposedly the plane had landed and then either ground looped, or flipped with a gust of wind. This is all i have ever been able to get out of my family on what happened but as i have now gotten into aviation as a carreer i have become more interested in the case but unable to find out anything about it.
Thankyou to anyone able to provide me with some information about the accident.
SO
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If there is an accident in the US, it goes into the NTSB data base which is accessible via the internet. Maybe the authorities in Papua New Guinea have got something simmilar? If it was a big aircraft, the NTSB might even have been involved in the investigation?
Sorry for not being more usefull...
Sorry for not being more usefull...
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Thanks, had a look at both but i was pretty sure it was landing and the plane flipped and burnt out, but around that same time period. I'll have a look on that sight
Edit: Could be totally wrong as i have not really heard hte full story, Thanks for the finds, i will use the take off one for further progress
Edit: Could be totally wrong as i have not really heard hte full story, Thanks for the finds, i will use the take off one for further progress
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I knew Nick and worked with him for a time. A very decent and capable man.
My memory is not what it could be but I think the accident was at Lae, with a contributing factor being a fog bank on late final. The aircraft was a cabin class piston twin. Either a Piper Chiefton or a Cessna 402.
One of the passengers was a man named Leahy. (a large family with a long PNG history). Again, my memory may be wrong but I think Leahy might have survived the crash.
My memory is not what it could be but I think the accident was at Lae, with a contributing factor being a fog bank on late final. The aircraft was a cabin class piston twin. Either a Piper Chiefton or a Cessna 402.
One of the passengers was a man named Leahy. (a large family with a long PNG history). Again, my memory may be wrong but I think Leahy might have survived the crash.
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Lee
Mack Lee killed in a suspected CFIT near Kerema in his C402 at that time, another Lee killed at Kairek (Porgera) in Collins & Leahy Pa31 landing in poor vis. George Leahy survived and today runs Oilmin, a large exploration support co. in Mt Hagen with its own aircraft. The latter Lee was a Kiwi I think! Did some journalistic contributions to a NZ aviation magazine.
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Kairek
No Instrument approach at Kairek. Sits in a basin adjacent the Lagiaip River prone to early morning fog at 7000 foot density altitude, shallow layers wih good vertical visibility but very restricted horizontal visibility say during flare and rollout. No missed approach at Kairek as one way strip with very steep hill as part of southern runway, and the entire basin surrounded by semi circular 11500 foot peaks VERY close to the south. Kingair/DO228 strip only. If I can help any more, I may have an airfield photo and the accident report somewhere!
An instrument approach anywhere near Porgera would be something I would gladly pass up....
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dont quote me but Nick was flying the Collins and Leahy PA31 but was employed by Hevi-Lift. You could call them on 0011 675 5451430 or 5451458 in Mt Hagen and they might still have some details.
there is a memorial plaque to Nick in the Engineers Mess
there is a memorial plaque to Nick in the Engineers Mess
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Nick Lee
I never met Nick but I did go to school with Joanne Colman who was married to Nick.
I think she is now on the Gold Coast where she lives with her (& Nicks) daughter.
Robert Colman, Joanne's brother works in PNG with Oilmin, the company George Leahy, the only survivor of the crash at Kairek, owns.
Hope this helps?
I think she is now on the Gold Coast where she lives with her (& Nicks) daughter.
Robert Colman, Joanne's brother works in PNG with Oilmin, the company George Leahy, the only survivor of the crash at Kairek, owns.
Hope this helps?
Moderator
Aussie, your post two years ago in another thread:
That is the accident involving Nick Lee, George Leahy and Bromley's pride and joy, P2-NGM.
I saw George a month or so ago in Australia. He should be easy enough to find and contact in Mt Hagen.
I have P2-AWF listed as ambo, to VH-AFW in 2004. Other PA-31's on P2 - NGM, cr Porgera/Karik, BDL to VH-BDN, CXL to VH-RCV......
I saw George a month or so ago in Australia. He should be easy enough to find and contact in Mt Hagen.