Tassie gyro crash ??????????

[Aussie_Paul]

I have just had a phone call from a guy in NSW who said that the ABC news is reporting a Tassie gyro crash with one person dead and one badly burnt.

Anyone know anything. I hope it is not a gyro. :no:

Aussie Paul. :wave:

[Mitch]

PB and all,

Just had a call from my sparkie mate, his wife a nurse called him, word was a gyro crash two dead at Cranbourne. Unconfirmed from me of course.

Mitch.

[rotor]

Mitch,

doesn't look good mate. Here's a link to a news article

"Man killed as gyrocopter explodes" (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21998233-5005961,00.html)


rotor

[Aussie_Paul]

PB and all,

Just had a call from my sparkie mate, his wife a nurse called him, word was a gyro crash two dead at Cranbourne. Unconfirmed from me of course.

Mitch.

I have just had a report from a Tassie gyro pilot near Hobart. A modified RAF bought by a guy from Tassie at the Lameroo Nationals.
The owner dead and the instructor critcal. The accident happened at the Cranbourne recreational aviation airstrip.

Sad day for gyroplanes.

Aussie Paul.

[Aussie_Paul]

Mitch,

doesn't look good mate. Here's a link to a news article

Man killed as gyrocopter explodes (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21998233-5005961,00.htmll)


rotor


Link won't work for me Geoff.

Aussie Paul.

[rotor]

ok,

here it is again ...

"Man killed as gyrocopter explodes" (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21998233-5005961,00.html)

That'll work


rotor

[Mitch]

Rotor,

I looked at the article thanks.

All we can do is pray.

Mitch

[Mitch]

PRAYERS ARE POWERFULL!!!

My wife Elise turned up in Sydney with my daughter tonight, total surprise, here with me for my surgery. First prayer answered.

Elise rang her medico contacts....Instructor has been stabilised and sent to Hobart with expectations that he will make it.

I had commented earlier today, that he might just do so due to his very high level of fitness.
Keep praying.

The other fellow was a very new, very good friend of mine.

Please pray for them both.

Mitch

[niquenaque]

I don´t know why it was but I had a grim feeling when I woke up today, now I know, nasty news.

I hope the survivor remains so, I am willing and wishing for him to have a speedy recovery.

My condolences to the friends and family of the lost man.

So sorry to hear it,

Nick.

[Birdy2]

:( :'( :anger: :evil2:

[SamL]

PRAYERS ARE POWERFULL!!!

My wife Elise turned up in Sydney with my daughter tonight, total surprise, here with me for my surgery. First prayer answered.

Elise rang her medico contacts....Instructor has been stabilised and sent to Hobart with expectations that he will make it.

I had commented earlier today, that he might just do so due to his very high level of fitness.
Keep praying.

The other fellow was a very new, very good friend of mine.

Please pray for them both.

Mitch

Mitch, thanks for the updated good new, and yes my condolences to family of the deseased man.
Mitch. in who's aircraft did the accident occur?

Sam...... :( :tears:

[Aussie_Paul]

Mitch

Mitch, thanks for the updated good new, and yes my condolences to family of the deseased man.
Mitch. in who's aircraft did the accident occur?

Sam...... :( :tears:
[/quote]

Sam it was the green modified RAF that was on sale at Lameroo. It was red before it went to Qld and back to SA. It was painted green while it was back in SA.

Attached are a couple of file pics.

Aussie Paul. :wave:

[Mitch]

G'Day Fellas,

The link below should get you more details.

http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=disasters+%26+accidents&story_id=1014752&category=disasters%2520%26%2520accidents

Elise is trying to ascertain from medico friends the status of the Instructor who is at Hobart Royal.

Please pray for his recovery.

Mitch.

[SamL]

Sam it was the green modified RAF that was on sale at Lameroo. It was red before it went to Qld and back to SA. It was painted green while it was back in SA.

Attached are a couple of file pics.

Aussie Paul. :wave:


Here is a pic I took of it at Lameroo.

Sam....... :(

[Brian]

Saddened to hear the news. We are praying for a full recovery!

[Sky Gazer]

Anyone heard any follow up on this incident?

[Mitch]

Gentlemen,

Sorry to inform you that Geoff Jamieson passed away on the 7th hour of the 7/7/2007. His son Jade was with his father at the time. Many of us in the gyro fraternity here in Tassie have watched Jade grow into a fine young man, at 17 yrs. Often present at the airfield, when Geoff was training. His Grandfather, Keith and Geoff were like best mates and Geoffs passion for gyros grew from Keith's and together they embarked on a journey that would see Keith learn his trade at manufacturing wooden bensen blades building their own rotor heads and props including whole aircraft. A journey from glider to powered flight. Geoff was 16 when that love affair with gyros began.

Geoff's funeral service is this comming Thursday 12th July at St Mary's Church in Penquin, Tasmania at 2pm. Followed by the laying to rest at a location near by.

The Advocate and Examiner News Papers will both be running articles on Geoff and his historically significant journey through the sport of gyroplanes here in Tasmania.

With the deaths of two of our fellow gyro enthusiasts, we are all no doubt shocked and saddened by what has transpired, none more than those of us here on the 'Island' that new these blokes.

Obviously there will be lots more 'inquiring' but I will share this with you because the student pilot's 'son in law' was said to have offered pictures to those at the funeral who, felt the need to look. These pictures were of the accident site. Further, this Gentleman alledgedly , publicly stated that the deceased student had told the instructor to ...'leave me, I'm stuffed' or words to that effect. And that Geoff had tried to get the student out of the burning wreck. The burns Geoff sustained appear to support this information. Emergency Service were first of the 'officials' to arrive, this may be the source of this information.

Even though my student mate has been 'put to rest' I'm not sure if he has been named publicly at this time, so I withhold this for the time being. I intend to speak with his 'life partner' tomorrow/today to share with her how much he had come to mean to many of us in such a short period of time.

The blokes who knew Geoff, know how staunch the bloke was, fit, strong, his lifesaving background and no doubt put himself in harms way to try and save his student.....his fellow human being. It's a sad time for all the family members, though I hear and feel the strong support from both families for the passion and desire of these to men to be gyro aviators.

Fly Safe Fella's.

Mitch

[niquenaque]

Mitch,

Thanks for letting us know, this is the most horrible and unfortunate news.. your treatment of it has been sensible and sensitive, My praise to you for this.

Geoff is in my book a total hero,

I mourn his loss, My deepest condolences to his family.

I will remember his extreme bravery and will tout him as an example of a man who gave his best, he could have walked away but he didn´t. The newspapers go on about sporting ´heroes´ here, but nothing like that can measure up to what Geoff did here. The fact of his loss is a double tragedy for us all.

So sad,

Nick.

[Mitch]

Here is the Advocate link.

http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=1019406&category=general

[Mitch]

http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?story_id=1019509

[Mitch]

Photo with second article.

Geoff Jamieson and Red Hot Chilli Babe...his RAF 2000

[Mitch]

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,22001730-921,00.html

Another article.

[rotor]

On behalf of Rotorcraft Australia and it's members I'd like to wish the Jamieson family, friends and Geoff's mates our sincere condolences. I would also like to wish the family and friends of as yet the unnamed passenger our sincere condolences.

Another sad loss!

Words can never express our feelings at the loss of our mates under any circumstances.


Geoff

[Mitch]

Well Said Geoff, Thanks Mate, I shall pass that on to the extended Jamieson family in print. I have been collecting stuff to give to Jade from his gyro family in memory of the bloke.

I can tell you fellas that Tim Sheahan from Blackmans Bay, Tasmania was the Student Pilot.
Tim accompanied me recently to Lameroo for the Nationals telling me he had six hrs of training up and was in love with the magic of gyros , he was going to buy one and solo and fly his lady love around with him, we would fly together to. Tim had phoned me to tell me how much he had appreciated that whole week and all it's experiences, he said it had changed his life forever and thanked me, wished me well for my operations.

That was the last time, I spoke to the bloke. A friendship forged in the space of a week, that will stay with me, for the rest of my life. Many of us at Lameroo got to know Tim. His first night round the campfire with Tim Mc, Jacko, Birdy, Ross Fife, myself and others was an introduction into a wonderous new world for Tim of rugged characters some uglier than their own legends, though all joined in the story telling and soon the laughter was louder and Tim's passion for gyros entrenched. Tim was shootin yarns with gyro legends and soon learnt the ways of gyro campfire ettiqute. As the weekend progressed Tim got to know my wife and kids as we shared the same camp. Tim was totally pro-active and extremely fit for his 67 years, ingaging in all camp chours and housekeeping. A great bloke to buddy up with at fly-ins.
Tim was a retired Coronial Inquiry Police Officer who had come out to Tassie from Ireland many years ago. He was a Gentleman and a truely genuine and funny bloke. Very much in love with his life partner Jenny of some eight years. Tims love for gyros only surpassed by his love for Jenny.

The sad loss of Tim Sheahan and Geoff Jamieson felt by many here in Tasmania and the Mainland.

Mitch

[Birdy2]

The sad loss of Tim Sheahan and Geoff Jamieson felt by many here in Tasmania and the Mainland.
And ere in the middle of the 'big' island too mate. :(
Wot you and your bestest mate have been through for the last 2 years is more than my best enemy would deserve, you and yours need a break mate.
BTW, wot i told your better half the other nite is fairdinkum, anytime.

[Mitch]

Thanks Birdy, appreciated.

Ole Mate Nudge with the trike and recently rebuilding his X-Air came by today for coffee and a natter. Tim used to have a Jabiru and I believe put a 100 odd hrs on it before deciding to come across to gyros, so is well known amongst the light weight fixed wingers as well.

All the Tassie Boys are staying in touch one way or another.
Funeral tomorrow.

Mitch.

[Echo 2]

:no: :tears:

[Brian]

Sorry to learn the bad news Mitch, leaves you feeling empty and hollow knowing blokes who shared the passion we all know , are gone.

Sincere condolences to all the families /friends concerned.

Thanks for sharing the information Mitch, can image the pain its causing.

[Gyrodes]

Mitch, I feel for you, our Gyro mates are a massive help to us in time of missfortune. My condolences to the two families even though I met neither. All the best to you in your recovery. Des Garvin

[marko66]

My condolences to both families

You guys have said things nicer than i might have and I concur

Reagrds Mark

[guuy]

I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected death of Jeff and Tim.
I had the pleasure of flying with Jeff last year and not only did I find him a fantastic pilot and instructor but he was a great bloke.
To all Geoffs family my feelings are with you all.
I will miss you Jeff.
Your friend Guy Wilson

[Mitch]

Gentlemen,

I will try to describe what happened in Penguin, Tasmania, Yesterday.

As we were leaving, the 'voice' said; "Camera, grab the camera." The 'other voice' the began justifying why I need not take the camera.

You've seen it all before, it's overcast, the wind will blow up, Bass Strait will have waves with white tops.

Elise and I left home without the camera.

On approach to Geoff's end of the Island (the Central North West), we drove through a geographical highway pass, only moments after Eise had commented how still it was and there, ahead of us and below, lay Bass Strait, it looked like a sheet of glass everything was so still. Man I should have grabbed the 'digital'.
Gentlemen I can tell you that there was not a skerick of wind all day and especially from when we arrived at St Mary's Church till well after dark. The most perfect flying weather day. A great day to send off a great aviator.

OK short story is, there must have been somewhere between 500-600 people. St Marys was full and there were about 250-300 folk outside. Elise and I stood with ole Mate Nudge (Nigel Barwick) trike mate and Geoff Blackberry. Peter Adams, Rod Martin, Stan Hunservich (sp?), Bill Hills, Boyd Sweeney with his wife and son all grouped together after the service. I saw Phil Cox I think, he was one of the lucky ones to get into the church. There were other fixed wingers I saw there, Owen Baddcock, who was also a friend of Tim's. Oh yes, Charmaine, she and I soled about the same time, though hers was in a Jabiru.

There were a few folk that talked about Geoff and if you knew him, It made you laugh one minute and cry the next. His brother Paul summed Geoff up in a very funny collection of older brother younger brother mischief type scenerios. Young Jade started well from the box but emotions and the hugh response of people in attending, had the young fella fighting back the tears. That's pretty much when I lost it. The folk from the Surf life saving (all in uniform) formed a tribute pathway and Jade and his family, including Paul, Geoffs younger Brother, carried Geoff in a beautifull casket to the waiting vehicle.

There could well have been 200-300 people went up to the top of the hill, Lawn Cemetery see Geoff laid to rest. I spoke briefly to Jade prior to the burial, gave him some posts and well wishes from various folk and including the ASRA Pres condoleneces etc. I told Jade his Dad was a Great Tasmanian a historically important person with respect to gyros and in my book, a Hero.

Keith, Geoff's father and best mate hugged me and we talked briefly....the first thing Keith said was "your gonna keep the flying going arn't you Mitch.....promise me mate......"
"You bet". I said. "I promise".

I wanted to place some articles in the grave with Geoff and requested from Paul to do so. It's a tough thing kneeling at your instructor/friends grave but I needed to give him these articles that acclaimed him for his selfless act of heroism. I wanted to personnally thank him for trying so hard to save Tim. I wanted to tell him he should have got the hell out of there. Instead, I thanked him. I thanked him for my 1st ride in a gyro. I thanked him for living his dream with a passion and becoming Tassies first two place Gyroplane instructor.
I thanked him for training me and for what he had put into the sport...and said goodbye.

Lyn (Geoff's ex wife) stood by the grave and cried in my arms, she said to me..."Promise me you will give up flying gyros Mitch." She smiled up at me as she said it and as sure as she knew my reply, the moment I began responding she put her hand up to my lips, "I know, I know." She said.
Elise and I stood and comforted Lyn. This is the measure of the man, when the Ex-wife is at his side.

Apparently Chantily Lace was a favourite of Geoff's and Jade 'mouthed' the words as he looked toward his fathers final resting place. Wind Beneath my Wings played as Geoff was set to rest.
I looked around the surounding hills and thought Geoff had got himself a pretty good spot, right up, on the top. Amazingly it was so still and ............

Later, at the Penquin Surf Club we gathered to eat and drink and talk about our ole mate Geoff.
We watched a video of Geoff and Tim training and then later a vid which Geoff had shot from the inside of the RAF cabin, showing manuvers and verticals etc with regular glimpses of the club house and car park. Everyone gathered around to watch. There would have been over 200 hundred people at the Club.

Lyn said to me later she had thought to have it at her place (Lyn & Jades place) but luckily her daughter(from another marriage) talked her out of that. Lyn was absolutely dumbfounded at the numbers of people, that had come to farewell Geoff. I continued to comfort her and remind her that Geoff was such a charasmatic character, that we all loved him.

The amazing thing for me was to know Geoff, see this Tasmanian bloke give his life for his student/mate. The man died a hero and to be remembered and farewelled by so many, was truely outstanding. Geoff Jamieson died in a way he himself would have been proud of. He died as a result of trying to save another human being. There is no greater sacrifice a man can give.
Geoff you will always be one of my Heros.

Gentlemen Thanks for all your kind words, prayers and thoughts.
Guy I am sorry you only just heard, Sorry for your loss Mate.

Mitch

Reason for editing.....One thing I meant to say was that Keith has tentatively agreed to our offer of taking him to next years Nationals at Wangaratta 2008.

[Mitch]

This is the front and back cover to Geoff's Funeral Service.

Mitch.

[Birdy2]

Thanks Mitch.

[geoffgraves]

Dear All
I just heard about Geoff's death. I know everyone will have their own favourite memories of the bloke, but as one of his students in December '06 I will remember with pleasure his simple warmth, his passion for the sport and the way he passed on his enthusiasm.
In between going up, down, round, and following the treelines round Cranbourne we shared many a relaxed cup of coffee talking flying and the bits of life between flying; I heard much of his pride in his son and his excitement at his future plans- and I know that, whenever I fly gyros again, the techniques Geoff passed on will be an inescapable part of my flying. I can only hope some of his spirit will be with me also.

My condolences to all who knew him.

[Brian]

Thanks Mitch for the picturesque description of the funeral, you did real well. Despite not knowing much about Geoff, I couldn't help but shed a few tears.A very courageous man!

[niquenaque]

Mitch,

100% well done, moved me to tears.

Cheers,

Nick

[Mitch]

Gents,

I wanted to add some pics here.

Geoff and his Dad Keith Jamieson.

Geoff with Red Hot Chillie Babe and article.

Geoff test flying The white Butterfly.

[Mitch]

Next

[Mitch]

Next

[Mitch]

""""Obviously there will be lots more 'inquiring' but I will share this with you because the student pilot's 'son in law' was said to have offered pictures to those at the funeral who, felt the need to look. These pictures were of the accident site. Further, this Gentleman alledgedly , publicly stated that the deceased student had told the instructor to ...'leave me, I'm stuffed' or words to that effect. And that Geoff had tried to get the student out of the burning wreck. The burns Geoff sustained appear to support this information. Emergency Service were first of the 'officials' to arrive, this may be the source of this information.""""

G'Day Gents,

Aparrently after making enquiries with Jenny and Jim, (Tim's wife and son inlaw) neither of them nor anyone else said or heard anything like the "leave me I'm stuff" phrase above. What Jim said at Tim's funeral, was what Gillian Hill (owner of the airfield) said as she was the first to get to Geoff.

Geoff was dressed only in his underware and he said " I couldn't save him. It just stopped" He went on to discuss other matters with Gillian Hill regarding his family and son and later in the ambulance, he said when asked what happened, that he did not wish to talk about it. Geoff unfortunately as far as we know did not speak again.

I will make further enquiries of other EMS person who attended but at this time this seems to be how it unfolded. Reason for saying this is that information Jim has was conveyed to him by Police. One would hope that they have conducted numerous interviews of all those who attended.

I have apoligised to Lyn and Jenny for the initial post which came to me second hand. Both women most graciously have told me it's OK and they are happy that I have posted. Jenny, Jim, Lyn and I agree, that Geoff's burns are not simply consitent with him getting out and leaving the aircraft. The burn pattern to his body indicate he leant into a burning wreck, and you only do that sort of thing for one reason....to get someone else out.........Geoff's own words...."I couldn't save him,........... ",

These two families in their grief are struggling with their lossess. However, they are strong and resolute in the fact that both men were men of passion doing what they loved.

Mitch.

[gyrobob]

Condolenses.sad to here :(

[Mitch]

Gents,

I went out to Cranbourne today to discuss housing my gyro in the main hangar. Had a look at the strip and the stepped out the witness marks on the ground from the latest double fatality. 37-38 mtrs from start to finish. There is no way, they would have been landing in that area......I reckon they were flying S & L strip run, low over the strip at 50-60 knts when the engine stopped suddenly.
The gyro may well have drifted left of the centre line prior to the engine stopping.

Sudden loss of thrust would have seen the nose swing up and if there was an attempt to flare, by the student, this may have resulted in a very nose high attitude. Blade strike at rear and resultant pan caking as pilots attempted to keep it straight and level. Dropped in hard and one mains wheel collapsed and the craft was said to be in the upright position at rest.

I would like to point out that CASA do not send investigators to Tasmania, they rely on the state Police to investigate. This is a totally unacceptable situation in my opinion. Especially when State Police investigating have next to nil experienece in this area. Add to this, unflattering comments made about the ASRA investigator by Police and what we have is a total disgrace.

I was advised today that the wreck is buried in a hole in the ground at Cranbourne airfield at the direction of State Police. What is going on? :mad:

It seems the ASRA investigator was not given a reasonable hearing by the Police and that the Coroner may be......well we shall wait and see.

First up, we need to know that these accidents get investigated by the best trained personnel and that means a CASA accident investigator trained in this field, in 'tune' with an ASRA Investigator, who understands the mechanics of rotorcraft crashes and tell tale witness marks......... NOT LOCAL POLICE.:mad:

Not happy!

Mitch.

[Brian]

You arent happy and I'm not happy either Mitch.

With all due respects to the police concerned [and they do do a great job of working out vehicle crashes] police have absolutely very little idea of gyro operations and procedures and the fact that the police have the power they do, in the event of a gyro crash.

Yeah, the coroner is going to most likely, go on the findings of the police by what you say there Mitch so things could well get interesting.When is the coronial inquest ? and do you know why the problems between the ASRA investigator and police?

[Mitch]

G'Day Brian,

Will be talking to the ASRA investigator this afternoon and to the New Opps Mgr this evening. I'll ascertain what I can and can not post but I believe the Police have decided one thing and that is not necessarily right, the Coroner is likely to follow suit.

I really thought that seeing as Tim was 'one of their own' (retired coronial inquiry copper) that this would have been played out differently.

I've got to fly off that airfield now knowing that Tim's green RAF2000 is buried next to the strip, that gyro took Tim and Geoff's lives and I am appalled it was dealt with in this fashion.

I'll get back to you Brian.

Mitch.

[Brian]

Its not going to be easy flying off the airfield knowing the gyro is buried there, but you know that Tim and Geoff would want you flying so, concentrate on the basics of flying, a few circuits of normal flying, enjoy the air and the flying, go for a fly around once you feel comfortable.

[bones]

Mitch,
CASA never sent an inspector out the a R22 crash 100 km south of here a few months ago, that left the pilot very serious injuries, lucky to be alive, i think they are just too under staffed, so the chances of getting them to inspect a gyro crash is probably pushing the luck a bit i feel. :confused:

[niquenaque]

Mitch,

you posted:

" Will be talking to the ASRA investigator this afternoon and to the New Opps Mgr this evening. I'll ascertain what I can and can not post but I believe the Police have decided one thing and that is not necessarily right, the Coroner is likely to follow suit."

You can have an input to this process with the police by writing to the minister of police in Tasmania, and the commissioner of police. If you feel there is a problem, tell them, it is that easy. Most usually you can google them up on the web and send them an email first followed up by a letter. If you want to go further you can petition the parliament with a petition form that will be available on the Tas parliament web site.

Hope this helps,

cheers,

Nick.

[Mitch]

G'Day Fellas,

Talked to the ASRA Investigator, among other senior ASRA personnel that have been involved with this investigation and the result was that the ASRA Investigator was well recieved by Forensic Police, though the Uniformed General Duites Senior Officer and ASRA Investigator differed on their take of the situation.

I understand the Coroner's report may be released today.

The owner of the airfield was directed by Police to remove the wreck craft and due to it's complete destruction had decided to bury it rather that store it in a hanger.

Perhaps we will have a finding today.

Mitch.