Airvan missing in Arnhem Land
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Its a bit saddening today to find out it was young Hadleigh, as he was one of our old students.. and a top bloke! just hope he is sitting on a beachdigging into some fresh Barra waiting for a rescue!
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The options are endless really, explosion, structural failure, skylarking, suicide, severe bird strike or just being plain unlucky in some way or another.
Totally agree with TwoTango. Hadleigh and I were good buddies, we've spend a few years together in an Aviation course back in 2002. He is a top bloke who has achieved academic grading with his studies and has a positive attitude towards his flying dream. Let just show a bit of respect to him and his family and stop guessing, like most others had said, no other weackage has been found yet, just hoping Hadleigh is sitting at the beach waiting to be save. Hope God will keep his eye on this excellant young fellow, give him calm weather/water, protect him until he is found.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Permanently lost
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TwoTango and JAU813, may I suggest that your closeness to the pilot has blinded you to what n_n actually wrote.
He suggested that people stop any speculation as to the cause of the crash. If you took offence at what he wrote why did you both quote, and effectively republish, the offending passage?
Despite that, I heard today some very disquietning information concerning what appears to be a problem with the aircraft type. I have suggested that this information be passed on to the ATSB. If true, it makes it imperative that the wreckage be found as it will answer a lot of questions as to the cause of the crash.
He suggested that people stop any speculation as to the cause of the crash. If you took offence at what he wrote why did you both quote, and effectively republish, the offending passage?
Despite that, I heard today some very disquietning information concerning what appears to be a problem with the aircraft type. I have suggested that this information be passed on to the ATSB. If true, it makes it imperative that the wreckage be found as it will answer a lot of questions as to the cause of the crash.
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plovett since this is a rumour network, would you care to share what you have "heard' about this type off aircraft? or just let the boys and girls fly them unaware off the "problem?"
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What a load of crap PLOVETT. Your comments are bordering on something that could involve legal ramifications. Tread carefully considering representatives from the manufacturer frequent this forum.
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VH-XXX
I am well aware of what I am saying as is the manufacturer as they were the original source of the information. So instead of immediately dismissing my post, which was very carefully considered, you may care to question your own response.
gadude,
Despite this being a rumour network my information is second-hand (although originally from the manufacturer) so I am not prepared to publish. The proper avenue is the ATSB who are investigating this crash.
I am well aware of what I am saying as is the manufacturer as they were the original source of the information. So instead of immediately dismissing my post, which was very carefully considered, you may care to question your own response.
gadude,
Despite this being a rumour network my information is second-hand (although originally from the manufacturer) so I am not prepared to publish. The proper avenue is the ATSB who are investigating this crash.
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If the factory was the original source of the 'information' that you have, please post it here, because then it would be gospel.
If it didn't come from the factory officially then I stand by my previous post and you may be opening yourself up for action.
What you've suggested is that all Airvan operators need to effectively ground their aircraft immediately because a condition exists where the aircraft may crash / fall out of the sky, but the ATSB knows about it? Surely CASA would distribute such information?
As for the wreckage answering a lot of questions, that is indeed true, however don't hold your breath if a wheel has been found because there may be very little left of it.
If it didn't come from the factory officially then I stand by my previous post and you may be opening yourself up for action.
What you've suggested is that all Airvan operators need to effectively ground their aircraft immediately because a condition exists where the aircraft may crash / fall out of the sky, but the ATSB knows about it? Surely CASA would distribute such information?
As for the wreckage answering a lot of questions, that is indeed true, however don't hold your breath if a wheel has been found because there may be very little left of it.
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Mr PeeLover is probably referring to some props snapping off Airvans. I'd heard of a couple of props had left their respective aircraft so to speak but didn't hear it from the factory. I'd be a stretch to suggest that this caused this crash, but then again you never know, we'll just have to wait and see.
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I heard through the grapevine that the Airvan that crashed in Kakadu earlier in the year had both the mechanical and the electric fuel pump fail, does anyone know anything about this incident? the pilot was ok thankfully!
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Some of the early scarecans had problems with the wing spar not being sealed correctly which ran through the integral fuel tanks. Over time the fuel filters could become blocked from the gravity fed tanks. You then have 11 minutes of burning fuel in the sump until she goes silent. The low fuel lights will both illuminate, along with the low sump fuel light, however if you know how much fuel was onboard from the last dip and verify with near full fuel or gauge readings appropriate for how much you believe should be available, you could be lured into ignoring the problem as an electrical gremlin. Before i started flying the can, i was briefed on the problem by the chief pilot and what to do immediately after such symptoms present themselves. Basically the story is to reduce power to best endurance and land asap!
I hope this was not the cause of the apparent ditching by poor Hads
Does anyone know what build number the Airvan was?
I hope this was not the cause of the apparent ditching by poor Hads
Does anyone know what build number the Airvan was?
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Number 5 off the line then.
Thoughts and prayers are with Hads, as i said before if you were going to spear in, the Airvan is the one you may walk away from.
Hope to hear good news soon, on a side note i was impressed with the messages and updates on the MAF website and a direct contact number to the CEO, must be a trying time for his fellow aviators and company personal.
Thoughts and prayers are with Hads, as i said before if you were going to spear in, the Airvan is the one you may walk away from.
Hope to hear good news soon, on a side note i was impressed with the messages and updates on the MAF website and a direct contact number to the CEO, must be a trying time for his fellow aviators and company personal.
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I had the pleasure of flying a couple of Airvan's in the NT, infact the Kakadu one only weeks before and thought they were great! sad to hear of problems, apparently Gippsland bought the rights to the Nomad so that will be an interesting development!
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Unfortunately with more than a week gone now, it looks fairly certain that Hadleigh hasn't survived. This is the latest statement from MAF:
TT
Friday, 24 October 2008
The authorities have changed the search emphasis. Whilst the use of aircraft has diminished ships, with specialised equipment, are being deployed in Buckingham Bay to search for the aircraft wreckage. We are hopeful that images of the aircraft fuselage will give information as to its precise location. Please pray that this is the case and it will be recovered. It is probable that Hadleigh's body is still in the wreckage.
The family believe that their beloved son is in the presence of their Lord and, as such, have organised a Thanksgiving service at their church on Monday, 27 October. Please pray that this is a wonderful celebration of a life given in service for his Lord and also that all who attend will be challenged to put their trust in God.
The authorities have changed the search emphasis. Whilst the use of aircraft has diminished ships, with specialised equipment, are being deployed in Buckingham Bay to search for the aircraft wreckage. We are hopeful that images of the aircraft fuselage will give information as to its precise location. Please pray that this is the case and it will be recovered. It is probable that Hadleigh's body is still in the wreckage.
The family believe that their beloved son is in the presence of their Lord and, as such, have organised a Thanksgiving service at their church on Monday, 27 October. Please pray that this is a wonderful celebration of a life given in service for his Lord and also that all who attend will be challenged to put their trust in God.
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a service for Hadleigh Smith will be held Monday 27th October at 10 am.
Gymea Peoples Church, 166 Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea.
He was a good young bloke. Loved his flying and the All Blacks.
Had served Australia in the Army Reserve as a digger. RIP mate
Gymea Peoples Church, 166 Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea.
He was a good young bloke. Loved his flying and the All Blacks.
Had served Australia in the Army Reserve as a digger. RIP mate
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Plane found
Just saw this on the ABC News
Rangers find plane wreck in NT
Homeland rangers on Elcho Island, in north east Arnhem Land say they have found the wreckage of a plane that has been missing since mid October.
The pilot, 23 year old Hadleigh Smith, took off from Elcho Island in the single engine plane on 16 October and hasn't been seen since.
During an extensive search some flotsam from the plane was found in waters near the island in the following days.
Police say homeland rangers reported they had discovered a plane wreck 2 km off the Elcho Island coastline on Saturday.
The Marthakal Homeland Resource Centre's Richard Manson says homeland communities from across the area have been heavily involved in the search for the plane.
"It has obviously been very difficult for the whole community because it's a very close community and he's a young fella whose been in the community for a little while and well liked by everyone," Mr Manson said.
"The impact has just been very hard on everyone, but everyone's rallied together at the same time to make all efforts to find him."
Police divers will travel to the area today to conduct further investigations.
Homeland rangers on Elcho Island, in north east Arnhem Land say they have found the wreckage of a plane that has been missing since mid October.
The pilot, 23 year old Hadleigh Smith, took off from Elcho Island in the single engine plane on 16 October and hasn't been seen since.
During an extensive search some flotsam from the plane was found in waters near the island in the following days.
Police say homeland rangers reported they had discovered a plane wreck 2 km off the Elcho Island coastline on Saturday.
The Marthakal Homeland Resource Centre's Richard Manson says homeland communities from across the area have been heavily involved in the search for the plane.
"It has obviously been very difficult for the whole community because it's a very close community and he's a young fella whose been in the community for a little while and well liked by everyone," Mr Manson said.
"The impact has just been very hard on everyone, but everyone's rallied together at the same time to make all efforts to find him."
Police divers will travel to the area today to conduct further investigations.
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Resting With his Lord
Being familiar to MAF's Ops and having done the very Charter Hadleigh was doing there. I can say that:
1. They could cary up to 3 200 Ltr drums of Diesel or Avgas in back of Cessna's. They drums are held in place with Chocks and locked down with camlock straps.
2. It could be a little disconcerting as the drums expanded and contracted.
3. There was always a bit of a deep down question when doing these flights of 'I hope the straps hold' If they failed and a drum, then drums would roll and the CofG would go go right out and one would need reversing mirrors to guide the aircraft down to its fate.
4. The likely hood of this happening was low or we would not have done it.
5. All flights were CHTR and all pilots and ground staff were current with DG at all times.
Sonar has apparently located the wreck 15 klm from elcho Island, and 2 Ks off shore in Buckingham Bay. divers were hoping to dive on the site and attempt a recovery.
Efforts underway to recover aircraft fuselage
Thursday, 06 November 2008 Efforts are underway today (Thursday November 6) to confirm the identity of an aircraft fuselage discovered in Arnhem Land's Buckingham Bay.
Searchers suspect the wreckage could be that of a Mission Aviation Fellowship GA8 Airvan, piloted by 23-year-old Hadleigh Smith, who went missing on October 16.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 November 2008 )
1. They could cary up to 3 200 Ltr drums of Diesel or Avgas in back of Cessna's. They drums are held in place with Chocks and locked down with camlock straps.
2. It could be a little disconcerting as the drums expanded and contracted.
3. There was always a bit of a deep down question when doing these flights of 'I hope the straps hold' If they failed and a drum, then drums would roll and the CofG would go go right out and one would need reversing mirrors to guide the aircraft down to its fate.
4. The likely hood of this happening was low or we would not have done it.
5. All flights were CHTR and all pilots and ground staff were current with DG at all times.
Sonar has apparently located the wreck 15 klm from elcho Island, and 2 Ks off shore in Buckingham Bay. divers were hoping to dive on the site and attempt a recovery.
Efforts underway to recover aircraft fuselage
Thursday, 06 November 2008 Efforts are underway today (Thursday November 6) to confirm the identity of an aircraft fuselage discovered in Arnhem Land's Buckingham Bay.Searchers suspect the wreckage could be that of a Mission Aviation Fellowship GA8 Airvan, piloted by 23-year-old Hadleigh Smith, who went missing on October 16.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 November 2008 )
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VH-WRT. Fuel is normally carried in 20l jerry cans in AL. The GA8 can carry 6 or so in the pod, + heaps in the cabin. GA have a very good cargo net system. Usually avgas would be kept in the pod, and diesel in the cabin.