Gyrocopter Crash at Echuca [Archive] - Rotorcraft Australia Forums

rotor

08-11-2007, 11:13 PM

News tonight is that a gyrocopter with 2 POB has crashed at Echuca airport. Two men have been badly burnt and airlifted to the Alfred.

No other info other than it may have been an instructor and student.

Links:

Men badly burnt in gyrocopter crash | NEWS.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22725951-1702,00.html)

Goulburn Valley Blogger: News: Light Air-Craft Crash In Echuca (http://goulburnvalleyblogs.blogspot.com/2007/11/news-light-air-craft-crash-in-echuca.html)

Lets hope they'll both be ok.

Geoff

Mitch

09-11-2007, 07:19 AM

Subtitles flashing across the TV screen on Mel and Koshies Morning News Show says one man died. Other has serious burns.

Very sad news.

bones

09-11-2007, 07:21 AM

:(:(:( ohhhh boy this is just sad

What is going on in this world of late :confused:

dg2829

09-11-2007, 07:23 AM

One of the men has since died from burns.

No names have officially been released at this stage.

bones

09-11-2007, 07:32 AM

Yes very sad indeed;
here is the Link (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22729199-1702,00.html)

Mitch

09-11-2007, 07:51 AM

No names officially but heard that the 50 year old died. God speed.

That indicates to me PB is the one in Hospital.

Apparently Mark Clifford saw a picture and could see the Firebird logo.

Mitch.

Sky Gazer

09-11-2007, 08:16 AM

This is extremely sad news particularly given that this is the second such accident invovling a competent instructor this year.:(:(:(

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of our fellow aviator and best wishes for a speedy and full recovery for our mate in the hospital.

Peter

marko66

09-11-2007, 10:20 AM

Hi All

Condolences to family and friends of the deceased, and I hope who ever survived makes a full and quick recovery.

I also echo the comments above

Regards Mark

Mitch

09-11-2007, 11:25 AM

This link gives a little more info.

Man killed in gyrocopter crash - National - theage.com.au (http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/man-killed-in-gyrocopter-crash/2007/11/09/1194329454795.html)

the pick

09-11-2007, 02:04 PM

To all, I feel deeply saddened by the news. Condolences to the family of the deceased and positive thoughts of recovery to the injured. From what I have heard I kwow of the instructor very well and wish him sincerely a speedy recovery

Dave Pickard

guuy

09-11-2007, 02:52 PM

I have just heard about the crash involving Paul Bruty and his student.
It is so sad to see a man that has put so much into Gyrocopters and is truly a legend in the sport to maybe end his dreams in this way.
Paul please stay strong mate .I wish you a full recovery and am dreaming of the day that you fly with us again.
I don't know the student but am truly saddened by his death.
Some times life is just not fair.
My heart and support goes out to all family members.
Regards Guy

rotor

09-11-2007, 08:50 PM

My condolences go to the family and friends of the unfortunate student who did not survive this accident. I'm sure all of our thoughts are with them tonight.

I guess it's pretty obvious that Paul was the other person injured in this accident. Burns are a nasty injury that take a long time to recover from. Some never get over them completely. So I wish Paul a speedy recovery. I think I can say that we are all waiting for some good news to come out of this. Get well mate.

Now isn't the time to scrutinize over what caused the accident. Even though we'd all like to know what has happened - lets not speculate here publicly. Leave it up to the accident investigation.

rotor

Fencing Wire

09-11-2007, 09:47 PM

Bummer!

Well said Geoff.

Get well, Paul. Our hearts are with you and your family.

Sad day and condolences to the family of the student.:'(:(

rotor

10-11-2007, 11:20 AM

Latest article on the crash ....

Paul Bruty fights for life after fiery gyrocopter crash in Echuca | Herald Sun (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22732996-2862,00.html)

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5744405,00.jpg

gbw

10-11-2007, 12:27 PM

]Paul Bruty fights for life after fiery gyrocopter crash in Echuca | Herald Sun[/URL]

I am not sure how to contact Pauls family.

Seems to me the family will be spending a fair amount of time in Melbourne and I would like to offer some help.

We live about 20 km from the Alfred hospital and can offer a bed and bathroom if needed. Would save them a lot of travelling.

If someone knows how to contact the family, perhaps you could give them my phone number 03 9762 2858

Thanks

Graham

rotor

10-11-2007, 12:53 PM

Graham,

you might try giving SamL a ring or maybe dg2829 (Webmaster of the Victoria Rotorcraft Association Website). One of those two might be able to help. I had a look at the VRA Website but they don't have any phone numbers that I could find to their office bearers.

rotor

bones

10-11-2007, 03:50 PM

This clip (http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200711/r198880_759065.asx) gives a bit better look at the crash site and how very little is left of PB's dream.

Is there any news of his condition yet?

Fencing Wire

10-11-2007, 05:44 PM

This clip (http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200711/r198880_759065.asx) gives a bit better look at the crash site and how very little is left of PB's dream.

Is there any news of his condition yet?

Hey Mark,
I rang about lunch time. They said he was "Serious, Stable, unconscious, and family only at this stage". I gained the impression the "unconscious" part is probably induced, which they tend to do in such cases. He is receiving treatment at present, so no update for an hour or so.
Cheers

dg2829

10-11-2007, 06:56 PM

I have been able to obtain news update as to Pauls condition, is now officially listed as serious but stable.

More details about his condition is on the VSRA club site which I will update as soon I receive any news at all. The club site is at

Victorian Sport Rotorcraft Association - Simply the best way to fly................... (http://www.vsra.org.au)

arizonarotors

11-11-2007, 02:49 PM

My very best wishes for a speedy recovery for Paul, and peace and comfort for his family.

My sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.

Jim Mayfield

dg2829

12-11-2007, 08:13 PM

Paul's status has changed details at Victorian Sport Rotorcraft Association - Simply the best way to fly................... (http://www.vsra.org.au)

rotor

12-11-2007, 08:21 PM

For everyones information:

Pauls status is now listed as Statisfactory, at least it's a little bit of good news.

Keep fighting Paul

rotor

PaulBrutyFamily

12-11-2007, 10:08 PM

Hi everyone -

It's Paul's daughter Emma here. I just wanted to let you know that I am going to print out every single one of the comments that have appeared on various forums, so I can read them to him. I've been chatting away to him anyway, so I figure he'd appreciate hearing such wonderful words from his compadres in the gyro community.

Thanks again from us all - we are so grateful for everyone's support, and I am absolutely certain that Dad would be as well. I'll keep all the print-outs for him to read when he's awake...just in case it hasn't all sunk in.

Regards -

Emma.

Sky Gazer

12-11-2007, 10:17 PM

For everyones information:

Pauls status is now listed as Statisfactory, at least it's a little bit of good news.

Keep fighting Paul

rotor

Indeed it is rotor- Lets hope it leads to a full and speedy recovery.

Peter

SamL

12-11-2007, 10:22 PM

Good on you Emma.
Looks like Paul is once again fighting back. Keep up the good work !!!!
Please keep us all informed, as we wish Paul a speedy recovery, and best wishes to you and your family.

Thanks, SamL :(:)

gbw

12-11-2007, 10:58 PM

Thanks Emma,

That is indeed good news. His status might be satisfactorary, but I bet he does not feel satisfactorary.

best wihes

Graham

dg2829

12-11-2007, 11:22 PM

Thanks Emma!
===================

Others Paul is in an induced coma.

daj

13-11-2007, 08:52 AM

Good on you Paul. Great to hear your condition is now improving.

Thanks for passing on our best wishes, Emma.

All the best.

David J

Echo 2

13-11-2007, 12:39 PM

Thanks for keeping us in touch , Emma . Paul is blessed to have such a caring family .

Sincere condolences to the family & friends of the pilot that sadly passed away :( .

Echo

rotor

13-11-2007, 04:03 PM

Rotorcraft Australia would like to express it's most sincere condolences to the Family and friends of the late Gerard Riggs.

With respect, funeral arrangements are as follows.

Thursday 15 November 10.00am at St Peter The Apostle, Catholic Church, 31 Guinane Avenue Hoppers Crossing
The burial will be at Altona Cemetery afterwards.
Gerard was a member of our forum for only a short time, but he will be sadly missed.

bartie11

13-11-2007, 07:33 PM

Thanks Emma. I had a trial flight with Paul some years ago. Only met him once but reckoned that he was a real decent bloke. Much relieved to hear that he's progressing. He won't remember me but give him my best wishes anyway.

Pete Wilson (Mnt Waverley)

Brian

15-11-2007, 09:49 AM

Rosie and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Gerard Rigg's family.

We pray for Pauls speedy recovery and our sincere best wishes to PB and his family. You are a fighter PB, used to adversity and we know that you will be back again!

Dewie

22-11-2007, 04:40 PM

Hello all.
Is there any update on Paul's condition?

rotor

22-11-2007, 07:21 PM

Dewie,

through the grapevine I heard that they brought him out of his induced comma yesterday or the day before to do some tests in which he had to be awake for. They then induced the comma once again. Apparently his condition is stable but still serious.

If either Emma or Lin could give us an update it would be greatly appreciated.

rotor

PaulBrutyFamily

22-11-2007, 09:56 PM

Hi everyone -

Sorry for the lack of updates...it's been a bit hectic and hard to keep track of everything going on, as you'd probably understand!

In a nutshell, Dad's still stable - he is continuing to have various treatments and surgeries. His sedation was lessened somewhat last Saturday in order to see how his responses were with regards to his back surgery, but he is still technically in a medically-induced coma. We're not sure how long that will be for, but at this stage, it is certainly the best option for him, particularly as far as pain management is concerned. His injuries are ones where, really, it's all about the waiting game to see how things progress, so things may not change for ages - or they suddenly might. But we know that he's in the best possible hands and that the doctors are really onto everything to get him well.

Not much else to report at the moment, but let us reiterate that we continue to be incredibly grateful for everybody's support and concern, and we will try to keep you posted if anything else of note takes place.

Thanks so much, again - keep up the positive thoughts, because it definitely can't hurt. :-)

Emma.

Gyrodes

22-11-2007, 10:42 PM

Thanks Emma for the update, I wish you, your family and mostaly Paul a speedy as is posible recovery. Des Garvin West Aust

PaulBrutyFamily

24-11-2007, 10:38 PM

The latest on Paul -
Paul had another trip to theatre on Thursday where they performed a tracheostomy - replacing the tube down his throat with one directly into the trachea which is a more long term measure and one they tell me,which will be more comfortable for him. Earlier in the week, I had to buy a decent razor as his facial hair is growing - a good sign - but to avoid infection, they shave him each day. There were some more skin grafts done and they took a look at the site of the operation where they repaired his vertebra.
There is a meeting planned for next Wednesday where we'll meet with the various specialists. Hopefully, we'll get some idea of how they rate his progress. He's been in ICU for 16 days now and still in the coma.
Thank you again for your constant support and positive thoughts and prayers. The whole family deeply appreciates your concern.
Kind regards,
Eril and family

rotor

24-11-2007, 11:08 PM

Eril,

We appreciate that this is a very hard time that your all going through, thanks for taking the time to update us on Pauls condition.

We'll keep our fingers crossed that Wednesdays news will be good news.

rotor

Mitch

25-11-2007, 05:49 AM

Dear Eril and Family,

This is very positive news. The first 2 weeks are critical as you will have been told. I am praying for Paul.

Stay strong Eril, we are all praying for the best possible outcome and Paul is on track.

Mitch

Fencing Wire

25-11-2007, 06:33 PM

Thanks for the update, Eril.
Best wishes to you and the family. And get better soon, Paul. We are all thinking of you.
Cheers
FRed

niquenaque

26-11-2007, 07:46 AM

Eril,

I Was not happy to read the news, I'm glad Paul is pulling through this, it now looks like a healing process from here on in and I wish him a speedy one.

Out of curiosity how is his weight going?

I am given to understand that people who have suffered burns tend to need a larger number of calories - up to double that of a person who is running a metabolism without burns to recover from. By this I mean that they need heaps more calories because they are growing back their skin, muscle and whatever other tissue is affected and this process requires a large intake. Are the doctors checking on this as it would be a tricky balancing act to keep him up to speed with calories and balancing it against his diabeties? I don't doubt that they have the situation in check but it doesn't hurt to ask, doctors being humans after all.

Regards,

Nic.

PaulBrutyFamily

03-12-2007, 08:26 PM

We've seen some improvements in Paul's condition over the past few days.
Last week we had a meeting with people involved with Paul's treatment and they gave us an update from their perspectives - burns, neurology and general intensive care.
Although we had seen him the night before and thought he was more aware, they told us that he was very ill and that their greatest concerns were for his lungs and liver. Because he is being treated for several different infections, he's being given substantial quantities of antibiotics and these are causing problems with the liver function.
However, we believe that we can see improvement over the past two or three days.
His breathing seems better. The burns team is satisfied with the work they've done on his back.
He has been able to move slightly, but the neuro team still have a major issue with the site of the repairs to his spine. It appears that the wound will not heal as normal due to the burns in that area, and plastic surgery in the future will be necessary.
Most of his face is now uncovered and looks pretty good. His hands are also uncovered and seem to be healing.
They plan to take him back to theatre later in the week for more grafting to the chest area.

Thanks to you all for your thoughts, prayers, cards and calls. They are really helping to get us through these challenging days.

Regards,
Eril, Emma, Matt, Mark (and girlfriend Michelle) and Alex (and boyfriend Blake)

rotor

04-12-2007, 06:57 PM

Hi emma, Eril and Family.

Thanks for keeping us informed, we appreciate the update on Pauls progress.

Looking forward to more good news in the next few weeks.

rotor

marko66

04-12-2007, 09:49 PM

Hi Eril and family

Thanks for the updates on Paul's condition and I hope that his recovery is nothing short of miraculous.

Regards Mark

gbw

04-12-2007, 10:53 PM

Eril et Al.,

Thanks for the update. Looks like slow and steady wins the race.

You note some concern with wound healing. I have seen Manuka Honey work a number of times where all else has failed. I have no experience with burns, but bites and wounds, yes.

An elderly patient waited 3 months for an operation while his shin healed. Manuka did the trick. My father n law had a spider bite that would not heal, again on his leg, and reluctantly tried Manuka, and it healed within a week.

It is used a lot in NZ from whence it comes. (Manuka is a sweet smelling tea tree in NZ)

We smear it on with a piece of gladwrap over it to stop it being absorbed by bandage.

Graham

Sonnyj

07-12-2007, 08:37 PM

Hey Paul
I hope your doing better mate. Get well soon aye.
:cheers:
Sonny

richo

29-12-2007, 11:08 AM

Latest news on Paul's recovery-

Paul is improving steadily and they are now starting to talk about taking him out of intensive care and transferring him to the burns ward. That’s a positive step. He has been conscious for quite some time but sleeps a lot due to the pain killers needed when dressings are being done – and there are some dressings every day. He can hear us and respond with a nod or shake of the head but hasn’t been able to speak because of the “trachie” which has been in place since the accident. The type he has now was put in place some weeks ago but we’re hoping that it won’t be long before he’ll be able to do without that.
Best wishes for the New Year.
Regards,
Eril

rotor

29-12-2007, 07:43 PM

richo, thanks for posting this.

Eril,

Things look like they are on the up. Best wished to Paul, yourself and family for the New Year

Geoff

richo

02-01-2008, 09:39 PM

Latest Bulletin!

Hi Michael,
Further update – Paul is now in the Burns ward and the “ trachie” has been removed, so he is able to speak a little. Taking us by surprise with his progress.
Regards
Eril

EI-GYRO

03-01-2008, 08:55 AM

You cant keep a good man down !.
Thanks for the update.
Best wishes to you all.

rotor

03-01-2008, 09:40 AM

Michael,

Thanks for posting Erils emails, much appreciated.

Very good news about Paul's. It's still early days yet but it looks like he's well along the road to recovery ...

All the best for the New Year Paul and Family.

rotor

Gyrodes

03-01-2008, 01:10 PM

Yes I agree with Rotor, Thanks and all the best to Paul, his Family and the Rotor Craft Australia family & friends. Cheers Des Garvin

Brian

03-01-2008, 05:42 PM

Thats great news ! Tell Paul that we are missing him on the forum as now we have no one to defend the CLT gyros.:p

bones

06-01-2008, 12:25 PM

I noticed this on the yanky site so i decided to drop it here as requested, glad to hear the old horse is pulling through :cheers:

Thank you for all the good wishes we received over the Christmas period. Although Christmas was different for our family this year, it was still special.

Paul had more surgery on his right arm on December 20th. The first round of grafts were unsuccessful, so the surgeons decided to do them again, and they seem pleased with the results so far.
Other grafted areas are going well. Paul’s face, except for a small area around his right ear, is excellent, and as his eyebrows grow back, he looks more like his old self.
They have been able to remove the ventilator and his breathing has improved in leaps and bounds.
He is also able to sit in a “chair” for a few hours a day. The chair is an adjustable bed which allows him to be elevated into a more comfortable position and that takes the pressure off his back and makes breathing easier.

BIG STEP FORWARD: Paul has been transferred from ICU to the Burns Unit.
Last Monday we were taken by surprise when the Alfred staff told us they were moving Paul from ICU. The “trachie” has been removed from his throat and he can talk a little.
Of course, he is still medicated, often heavily for pain and in preparation for the numerous procedures such as physio, so often he seems to be talking in his sleep and it’s hard to follow what he’s saying.
Yesterday, I took in some of the cards and letters we’ve received. He was very interested in listening as I read the letters from Ronnie in England and John in Italy, and the get well messages in the cards. Then he drifted off to sleep as he tires easily and sleeps much of the time.

I know that many of you are looking forward to the time when you can come in to visit and it seems that that time is not too far away. If you are thinking of visiting, please contact me first .We can put your name on the Welcome list at the hospital, and we can tell you about suitable times. I check the messages on the home phone morning and evening.
We all appreciate your enquiries and support and send our best wishes for the New Year.

Regards,
Eril, Emma, Mark, Matt, Alex , Blake and Michelle

P.S. For some reason, we are not able to log into the Rotorcraft Australia forums - if someone could be so kind as to repost this message in our thread over there, we would be much obliged. Thank you!

Brian

06-01-2008, 02:38 PM

Its great to hear the progress being made. He's one tough horse that fella !!;)

richo

31-01-2008, 04:06 PM

Here's the latest update on Paul's progress. Seems he will be in hospital for a while yet.

Thanks Michael for your continued concern.
It’s 12 weeks tomorrow and still a long way to go.
Paul is getting more mobility back, particularly in his hands. They’ve just started Hyperbaric treatment (couple of hours yesterday and today) which they expect will aid healing and kill off “bugs” that might affect the grafted skin. His right ear which was a mess until a few weeks ago is nearly back to normal.
He wasn’t too good yesterday – quite delirious possibly due to a chest infection and a build up of the strong medication he’s been on.
Mostly his spirits are pretty good. somedays he’s just too tired to follow a conversation.

Regards, Eril

rotor

27-02-2008, 07:14 PM

Mike have you heard anything more on Paul's progress ?? .....

rotor

richo

27-02-2008, 09:42 PM

No - I will email Eril and post her update when it comes in.

richo

28-02-2008, 09:47 PM

Hi Michael,
We’re always happy to give you an update, and it’s easier when there are so many positives to report.
Paul’s mobility is improving by the day and he has been out of bed and walking with the help of nurses and a frame.
The naso-gastric tube was removed this week and he’s thoroughly enjoying his meals now. Of course, he’d lost a lot of weight but he’s turning that around. He has to focus on getting as much protein as he can manage each day.
He now has his mobile phone and if you’d like to give me your number I’ll pass it on. He’s been calling friends over the past few days – giving them quite a surprise. He’s continuing with the hyperbaric treatment (100% pure oxygen in a decompression chamber) and that seems to be reaping benefits with the healing of his back wound. That’s the only tube he has attached now.
On the weekends we’ve been getting him into a wheelchair and taking him downstairs at the hospital and checking out the café. I’ll know he’s back to his old self when he wants a coffee.
Again Michael, thanks for keeping tabs on Paul and his progress.
Regards
Eril and family

rotor

28-02-2008, 11:23 PM

bartie11

29-02-2008, 07:47 AM

Eril and Family,
That is the best news. Pete.

Aussie_Paul

02-07-2008, 04:28 PM

Thanks Mike, much appreciated!

I'm really happy to hear ( as I'm sure we all are) that Pauls progressing so well. Good to hear that he's up and about. It wont be long before he's back on the forum I'm sure ...

rotor

Well Rotor I have made it back to your forum. I have been home almost 2 weeks and it has been much more difficult than I thought. I had become quite "instatutionalised" even though I was getting some day passes.

All the experts told us that with the injuries I sustained that it was going to be at least a 12 month project to get back to normal. So I have several more months to concentrate on getting as well as I can.

I had burns to 50% of my body, 2 shatered vertabrae, having had insulin dependant Diabetes for 38 years and was 58 years old at the time. This was almost a no chance scenario BUT this stubborn silly old bastard must have felt that he needed to annoy a few more people!!!!!:D

My legs were spared because I was wearing cheap cotton drill work trousers. This allowed the surgeons to graft from my legs to my back, right chest, right arm, and right groin area as well as a small amount on my left arm. My right ear had to be remodeled as well. Fortunately the family jewels were spared!!! :cheers:

Wearing long trousers and a long sleeve shirt no one would really know that I had 50% of my body burnt. I could have had a nice chest and an uglier face!!

Well that's enough for now.

Aussie Paul. :)

niquenaque

02-07-2008, 05:03 PM

PB,

Welcome back you ugly bugger!!

Does this mean we have to take it easy on you or can we carry on giving you the same pizzling as we did before??

Cheers,

Nic.

rotor

02-07-2008, 06:23 PM

Paul, you old bastard. It's so good to see you back on the forum - great stuff mate!!!

Yes you were very lucky, if what you sustained could be called that.

Again, good to see you back up and about, and yes still a way to go yet in recovery mate.

Thanks for the post here, it's much appreciated!!

I'm off to work so I'll keep this short!

:cheers:

rotor

Brian

02-07-2008, 10:28 PM

Great to see you back PB !!:cheers:
The forum has been pretty quiet without you PB so the pressure is on you to liven the show up a bit!

I was very interested to read how the cotton trousers saved that part of your body from serious burns. We have had a lot of talk about fire and what can be done to prevent fire, its effects and how to minimize/ prevent burns. I have known for a few years that long johns saved my leg from burns and I'm keeping woolen /cotton garments at the top of the list to wear when working.

Anyway, looking forward to a few stouches in the future :Bat1: :)