Merged: Crash in PNG
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Merged: Crash in PNG
Just heard on the wadio that a plane crashed in PNG, anyone hear anything? Apparently the pilot survived and is being evac'd to Australia
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PNG Crash 30 December
Breaking story here Six die in PNG plane crash | The Courier-Mail
Pilot Richard Leahy survived the crash and has been evacuated to Australia for medical attention, according PNG’s National newspaper.
The aircraft owned by Kiunga Aviation was traveling to the remote Baindoang airstrip before the disaster.
The aircraft owned by Kiunga Aviation was traveling to the remote Baindoang airstrip before the disaster.
Last edited by Wod; 31st Dec 2009 at 05:35. Reason: Date corrected
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Family tell me Richard is in a burns unit in hospital in Brisbane. Believe he has a factured spine and burns to 60% of his body.
Aircraft was C185 P2-MJL which Richard has owned for at least 35 years. I'm told he had an engine failure.
Aircraft was C185 P2-MJL which Richard has owned for at least 35 years. I'm told he had an engine failure.
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Yes. And flying in PNG for at least 40 years that I know of. ............................
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Amos your idiot
Do you thing it is his age that caused an engine failure, and in PNG an engine failure is not usually a very survivable thing.
I have flown with many guys of many different ages, and I would be happier putting my family behind a 68 year old with 40 years experience in that environment ahead of a 25 year old with a couple of years experience any day
Best of luck 60% burns are pretty hard to survive, my thoughts are with you!
Do you thing it is his age that caused an engine failure, and in PNG an engine failure is not usually a very survivable thing.
I have flown with many guys of many different ages, and I would be happier putting my family behind a 68 year old with 40 years experience in that environment ahead of a 25 year old with a couple of years experience any day
Best of luck 60% burns are pretty hard to survive, my thoughts are with you!
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Sometimes amos2 it just makes more sense to say nothing.
Richard was born in PNG, eldest son of 'Masta' Mick Leahy who, with his two brothers, were the first white men into the highlands in the 1930s. Richard had 11000 hrs in THAT PARTICULAR 185 15 yrs ago - and I believe it is the third 185 he has owned - probably another 20000hrs scattered across numerous other types - he has been flying out to Baindong, Kasanombe, Boang etc every dawn for probably over 30 yrs - he does it like most people breath.
The man is a legend - and one of 'the good guys'.
Richard was born in PNG, eldest son of 'Masta' Mick Leahy who, with his two brothers, were the first white men into the highlands in the 1930s. Richard had 11000 hrs in THAT PARTICULAR 185 15 yrs ago - and I believe it is the third 185 he has owned - probably another 20000hrs scattered across numerous other types - he has been flying out to Baindong, Kasanombe, Boang etc every dawn for probably over 30 yrs - he does it like most people breath.
The man is a legend - and one of 'the good guys'.
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Well wishes and prayers
Richard knew the terrain better than anybody who has ever flown it,and more experienced in PNG than anybody would imagine.The man is a legend in his own right.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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There are plenty of people thinking of you Richard. All the best with the healing process...
Personally, I would hate to be the sole survivor of a crash but considering the circumstances (PNG, engine failure, loaded) it is a wonder there is anybody alive at all.
Well done to the evac crews. Sounds like the chopper was quick and accurate in their response.
Amos2 you should really apologize for making such a remark at a time like this. Quite despicable.
Personally, I would hate to be the sole survivor of a crash but considering the circumstances (PNG, engine failure, loaded) it is a wonder there is anybody alive at all.
Well done to the evac crews. Sounds like the chopper was quick and accurate in their response.
Amos2 you should really apologize for making such a remark at a time like this. Quite despicable.
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Family tell me the engine stopped "with a thud", news reports an engine fire. Sounds like an engine catastrophic failure and seizure. A helicopter was departing Lae to pick up gold at Eadie Creek and diverted to uplift Richard. That connected with an executive jet which brought Richard to Brisbane.
Don't know where the accident happened but after the engine quit he attempted an approach to a mission strip above 6000 AGL and didn't quite make it.
Don't know where the accident happened but after the engine quit he attempted an approach to a mission strip above 6000 AGL and didn't quite make it.
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Best wishes Richard
Met the bloke only on a few occasions - last time in 1987 being head-hunted for the CP's position. Unfortunately, other things transpired and was unable to take the position. Richard is one of the good guys and would have been a pleasure to work for him. Maintenance was and I believe still is foremost with his organisation.
Now - amos2: 68 years of age too old? Maybe, just maybe, when you think about it, it was those 68 years of age that may have saved him (something about experience/age), nothwithstanding the demise of the other occupants.
Amos2, perhaps instead of fawning incredulity with Richard's age, you aspire to attain half his age, half his experience and knowledge, and half of his decency - a worthy goal indeed!
Now - amos2: 68 years of age too old? Maybe, just maybe, when you think about it, it was those 68 years of age that may have saved him (something about experience/age), nothwithstanding the demise of the other occupants.
Amos2, perhaps instead of fawning incredulity with Richard's age, you aspire to attain half his age, half his experience and knowledge, and half of his decency - a worthy goal indeed!
Last edited by Weapons_Hot; 1st Jan 2010 at 00:51. Reason: Trying to correctly position the "smiley"
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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Only met RL once.. great guy... hope to meet him again!!
Hang in there RL.
