Australian Naval Sea King crashes during Humanitarian missions in Nias

[Aussie Digger]

NAVY HELICOPTER CRASHES IN INDONESIA
​

NINE PERSONNEL PRESUMED DEAD
​

Two Australian Defence Force personnel have been recovered from the crash site of the Navy Sea King, however another nine ADF personnel on board the crashed helicopter are missing presumed dead.

The helicopter operating from HMAS Kanimbla crashed in the southern region of Nias Island off the west coast of Sumatra at approximately 7.30 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time) this evening.

The two survivors were recovered by a second Sea King helicopter and were taken back to HMAS Kanimbla.

HMAS Kanimbla is steaming towards the vicinity of the crash site.

The helicopter was conducting a sortie in support of Operation Sumatra Assist (Phase 2), the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian contribution to the earthquake relief effort.

Further details about the crashed helicopter will be released as they become available.

Obtained from www.defence.gov.au.

This is a terrible tragedy and the worst ADF Helicopter crash since the Black Hawk disaster in Townsville in 1996. Possibly the worst part of this is that the entire crew were on their way home last week after 4 months of Humanitarian Operations in Aceh. They were diverted to Nias after the massive Earthquake.

My condolences to the families and work mates of the deceased.

 

[knightrider4]

Yes codolances to all the families concerned. Even though the Seakings are around 30 years old I think the high flyer in the fleet has around 8000 hours on it. Though I could be wrong.

 

[Red aRRow]

Sad to see such a loss especially since they were conducting humanitarian missions.

 

[pasukangeraktjepat]

Indonesian people here feel sad too about the accidents.Hope they get rest in peace.
President Yudhoyono give the Indonesian Medal of Bravery,if i'm not mistake,for the all helicopter crew in the accidents.

 

[redsoulja]

My condolences... canada has also had numerous problems with our sea kings, its been quite a joke on all the friday night comedy shows...

 

[Aussie Digger]

Yeah, it's a pity the "blame game" has already started with the Politicians insisting the ADF is well equipped and there's nothing wrong with the Sea King... The pilot (who is deceased and therefore unable to defend him/herself) will get the blame out this you'll see. It'll be the Blackhawk disaster all over again.