Navy helo helps light plane

[Dave Masterson]

http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/story/16...ergency/?cs=229

Nowra crew helps in Merimbula airport emergency


By ROBERT CRAWFORD
Aug. 1, 2013, 11:47 a.m.

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A HELICOPTER crew from HMAS Albatross has played a significant role in helping a stricken aircraft make a safe landing at Merimbula airport.

The Seahawk from 816 Squadron, with three crew onboard, Lieutenant Commander Ian Parrott, Lieutenant Ben Lancaster and Leading Seaman James Inglish, was in the area on a navigation exercise when it responded to calls for help from an Angel Flight Beechcroft Bonanza aircraft that had suffered an undercarriage indication malfunction.

As emergency services personnel swooped on Merimbula airport at 2.30pm on Wednesday, July 31, luck would have the Navy Seahawk was in the air nearby and heard the radio message.

The helicopter flew beside the aircraft and undertook an air to air visual inspection, counted three wheels were down and all looked good.

Meanwhile on terra firma aircraft engineer Rex Koerbin, of Merimbula Aircraft Maintenance, observed the aircraft as it flew overhead through his binoculars and confirmed to the pilot all was well.

The plane, with a Canberra pilot and two passengers on board, landed safely at about 3.15pm.

By 3.45pm it was in the air again on a return trip to Canberra after an inspection and minor adjustment by Merimbula Aircraft Maintenance.

Fourteen police, firemen and paramedics were on the scene with four ambulances, four fire trucks and five police cars.

[Brendan Cowan]

All's well that ends well.

Another happy landing!

Cheers

BC