Thursday, 6 October 2022
Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
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THANKFUL! Plane crash under investigation STORY: SYLVIA TABUA & CHRISTINE HOWES. PICS SUBMITTED The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has begun a transport safety investigation into the forced landing of a twinengine Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft on Moa Island on Monday afternoon. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the aircraft was operating a charter flight with a pilot and eight passengers on board when, during the cruise phase of the flight, both of its engines failed. “The pilot diverted towards Kubin Airport on Moa Island and conducted an off-airport landing west of the airport,” he said.
“The pilot and passengers sustained minor injuries. “A final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. “However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.” Torres Strait Air Managing Director Daniel Takai said he was thankful and relieved nobody was injured. “The passengers onboard the aircraft followed the pilot’s instructions to brace for landing and to evacuate the aircraft after the emergency landing, and followed directions to move away
from the aircraft, further ensuring their safety,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to the persons onboard the aircraft, all their families, and all our people affected by this incident.” Senior Sergeant Anthony Moynihan from Thursday Island Police told Radio 4MW the flight was returning three school age children, along with their chaperones, back to boarding school in Townsville. “The engines failed on that plane,” he said. “Very fortunately and through, I believe, a lot of skill from the pilot the passengers were all able to walk away.” He said the pilot performed an emergency landing on a road between St Paul’s and Kubin. “He did an exceptional job,” he said.
“If you see some photographs of the wreckage, it’s just incredible that nobody was hurt at all.” He said the passengers were likely to have been “a bit shaken up”. “This would have been a pretty scary situation coming into land there,” he said. Torres Strait Islands Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby said they were grateful there were no injuries. “Issues like this are very difficult for families involved and community,” he said. Torres Shire Council Mayor Yen Loban said they were also relieved. “Our thoughts go out not only to the children and pilot on board, but also to their families,” he said. Those on board were
transported back to Saibai by boat, thanks to Queensland Police, on Tuesday. Mr Takai said he wanted to thank all emergency personnel from the State Emergency Service (SES), Queensland Police, Queensland Health and community members who responded to the incident and provided assistance. “For safety reasons and investigation purposes, all unauthorised persons please remain clear of the damaged aircraft and the surrounding area,” he said. “And please do not touch or remove any parts of the aircraft. “We will work with the TSIRC to remove the damaged aircraft from its location as soon as possible once all on site investigations are complete.”
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