Helicopter accident in BN ?
 

heard on the grape vine there was an accident in a Hiller in BN today, any truth to the rumour, who was flying ??, are they OK ?.

I've only just seen a glimpse on TV, but there was footage of one Peter Hope, ex FltLt RAAF, and I pray it wasn't him. My gut dread says that it was. Any ex 12 sqn chinook drivers out there? A sad day if so....

No-one's immune, eh?

LRT,
I believe the aircraft was a Bell 47 with a Soloy conversion. Sadly, the very experienced pilot flying was fatally injured, and the other occupant, also a very experienced pilot sustained minor injuries. It appears that a main rotor has penetrated the cabin.

Famous one-
Yes it was Peter. A very tragic loss to the helicopter community. Also on board was Ian Paull, another experienced and industry- renowned pilot.

Both men had considerable experience in SAR and EMS flying, with Peter earning a bravery award in 1997 for the rescue of people from a boat during a cyclone , well off the Queensland coast.

Condolences to Peter's family and friends, and a speedy recovery to Ian.

Turbulent Eddy,

Are you sure Ian was onboard? Courier-Mail is reporting Mike Williams as the passenger.

Peter passing away is a sad loss in any event.

l_b

Logie,
Cannot confirm 100%, but have been told that he was on board by numerous people, and it looked like he was there on TV footage. Perhaps somebody else might know for sure ???

Ian was standing some 15 or so metres away and watched it happen. He rushed in to help and must have been very lucky to have not been hit by the flying shrapnel.
Sad day for all.

Sad day. Condolences to family.

RIP Peter :(

Sad day indeed. I can assure any one interested that Ian definitely was not on board but was nearby and an eye witness as Nigel has said. Peter Hope was a real fine guy, an excellent pilot and an excellent FOI. He will be missed by us all.
His funeral is on Monday next at 1330 in St Stephen's Cathedral, followed by a burial at Pinaroo Lawn cemetary and then the wake at the United Services Club.