- This topic has 10,609 voices and 36 replies.
- Posts
Just read on a news website that a plane has gone missing on route from Pt Moresby to Kokoda.
Lets hope all are okay and are found safe and well.
We pray that all will be found soon safe and well.
Flights are normally cancelled in bad weather am surprised this one was not.Brian, we had a flight with Tropic Air booked for today which was cancelled around midday due to bad weather. We accepted the verdict and did not push anyone to get it done as we respect the operations and pilots decision.
We did however have two trekkers to be picked up. When they realised our charter was not going in they boarded in Kokoda a chartered flight with Adventure Kokoda and ended up back in Port Moresby on the other APNG plane which headed over to Kokoda around the same time as the missing aircraft.
This flight was at the Kokoda airstrip for well over an hour before the weather cleared and the pilot was able to return to Port Moresby.
Whilst not having any trekkers on board the RPT (Regular Passenger twice weekly flight to Kokoda which operates on Tuesday's and Thursday's) flight we have been affected as my business partner Russell's brother Kingsley Eroro is on board the missing plane. Family members are already fearing the worst as most are guides and porters and know the terrain in the area where the plane was last seen.
Our thoughts are with the families of everyone on board but especially Kingsley the eldest of the Eroro family who may have lost his life on this aircraft.
We like everyone else are now in for a nervous wait today to see what happened to this APNG flight.
Villages on the track radio are saying the aircraft was last seen around the Alola/Mt Victoria area.
It has been a difficult day for myself and my group of trekkers who took part in a No Roads expedition which returned to Australia on the 2nd of August. Our group leader along with a friend of his were due to head back to Kokoda for another trip around this time. I feared the worst and was terribly concerned for their wellbeing as I wasn't sure of the date they were beginning their trek.
Fortunately their group does not leave for a couple more days, but at the same time it is terribly sad that another No Roads group has been caught up in what may be a real tragedy. I met another No Roads guide whilst in Port Moresby and he was a really nice guy and I fear he may be part of the group that was on this plane.
The fact that only a couple of weeks ago I was traveling this route with the very same company has shaken me up a bit, and I can only hope that this is just a case of disrupted communications. With reports coming in that a suspected crash site has been found though it isn't looking terribly good. I can only imagine the agony the families of these poor people are going through and my heart goes out to them.
A friend of mine sent me an email as she couldn't get onto me and thought I was on that plane. My friend's sister had also rung concerned about the same thing. I assured them I was not on that plane, not travelling with that company and wasn't leaving for Kokoda for another 10 weeks.
All the same, it has made me very nervous and I am wondering if it is a sign for me not to go
I just pray for all those on board that they will be found safe and sound – may God have his hand upon those on board – including Kingsley. If the worst is confirmed, my sincere condolences for their friends & family as they wait anxiously for the news of their loved ones.
I also pray that the weather will clear up which will enable the search & rescue efforts to continue and not be hindered.
fluppy
Fluppy, please don't take it as a sign not to go. I think all ex-trekkers will agree that this is a very rare occurrence and you would not want to cancel the wonderful adventure of walking the track because of it.
When I heard the news I very much had a "there but for the Grace of God go I" feeling, but it will not prevent me from doing the track again one day.
My heart goes out to Russell, John, and all the Eroro family. They must be feeling pretty devestated at the moment, not really knowing but suspecting the worst.
I, too, pray for all those on board and their families and friends. Miracles do happen, so let us hope for one on this occasion.
Hello,
I am a journalist with The Age and am interested in people's views on this plane crash. As Mrs Moo said (who seems to be an experienced trekker) is this occurance just a rarity that shouldn't put people off trekking?
Are people planning on trekking in the future concerned about their safety now?
Jltheage,
I would be no more concerned than I am getting in my car each day and driving on our roads.
Unfortunately this is tragic accident and should not impact on anyone's decision to experience the magic that is Kokoda.
As an ex-trekker, my thoughts are with all of the families and friends.Thanks for your view Ian E. After speaking to a couple of trekking associations this seems to be the general opinion. Does anyone else have an opinion or concerns?
Hi, I trekked with NoRoads in early July. Would have no hesitation in trekking Kokoda again and recommending others to do likewise.
There's more chance of being mugged and maimed for life in central Melbourne.The news of the fate of the Twin Otter is very sad and my heart goes out to all affected. The aircraft is a safe and reliable airframe and has given great service. There have been around 230 "Hull Loss" accidents of the type (of 800 airframes built) and around 1300 lives lost. This is a function of WHERE the aircraft has given most of its service, rather than any design weakness.
I have been flying since 1997 and have time on several different types (although not the Otter). I have also trekked Kokoda four times (altough not with this company)and must say that I have always considered the flights in/out to be the most dangerous part of the trip.
The weather is the principal problem. It is fickle at best and the operation of aircraft around mountains is not easy. The sooner that money is spent to expand Kokoda Airstrip (for 'airport' is far too grand a description) and allow, for example, the Dash 8 or similar to fly in, the safer everyone will be.
I would encourage anybody thinking of going to still go, these accidents are relatively rare, but aware that the risk is much greater than "driving your car to work".
Personally, I will be trekking again in PNG, probably next year.
Our Love, Prayers and Condolences go out to all the families and friends of those lost in this tragic accident.
I am sure that the entire "Kokoda" family feel as saddened and dismayed as we are.I also feel for those within the management of the reputable trekking and airlines companies involved they must also be hurting very much indeed.
I do hope that this tragic accident does not put anyone off trekking as particularly there are so many local families who depend on the work involved to help support thier families.
I most certainly, God willing, will be returning to Kokoda in 2010 actually in this case flying both in and out of Kokoda.
Brian
Hi,
My most sincere condolences to all the family & friends of those involved in this terrible event. It is I think, the Aussie spirit & culture that stands us ahead of many, many other nations when it comes to adversity. Mention the word Kokoda these days & one thinks of the words Partnership, Courage, Strength, & Endurance. These people lost, were either living or working for their dream. That dream should never be forgotten. All future travellers to Kokoda, will remember you too, as you came to remember others long past.
Sincerely Moreton.I would have no concerns about trekking again,,this is just one of those things that happens from time to time. The flight in , or out is part of the overall experience.
Still, its an absolute tradgedy, but I really hope that it doesnt put people off trekking kokoda,its a wonderful experience and something to be proud of after youve done it.
Rhonda ,Anne and I send our deepest and sincerest condolences to all those affected by this dreadful accident.Dear Gail and all the KTL Family,
It was not my pleasure to trek with KTL yet through this forum I feel I have come to know of the significant contribution made by the Eroro family to Australians trekking Kokoda, and PNG tourism in general.
All my prayers and condolances go out to the Eroro family at this sad time.Sincerely, Geoff Hardie
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.