Benjamin Picard, the Australian pilot killed in a plane crash in Papua New Guinea. Picture: Facebook
THE AUSTRALIAN pilot killed in a plane crash in Papua New Guinea has been remembered by his partner as a remarkable man, and a brilliant pilot.
Benjamin Picard, 31, of Sydney, was flying a twin-engine Britten-Norman Islander for Sunbird Aviation when he is believed to have come in short of the runway at Kiunga, and nosedived into a swamp.
There were eleven others on board the plane, including three children.
Investigators have been unable to explain Wednesday afternoon’s crash, saying the weather was good and the aircraft well-maintained.
In a statement, Captain Picard’s girlfriend, Matilda Branson said Benjamin had worked in Queensland for many years and was chief pilot and instructor to local pilots in Nepal for nearly five years.
Australian pilot Benjamin Picard with partner Matilda Branson. Picture: Supplied.Source:Supplied
“He was a gentle, kind, generous and loving man with a wicked sense of humour, and the best partner, son, brother and friend anyone could ever for — he was an all around top bloke,” said Ms Branson.
“We are all devastated by his loss, that no words can describe, except that the world is a poorer place without him.”
“We will all be having a beer in his memory as he would have liked, to celebrate his life and what a wonderful man he was.”
Matilda and Benjamin together in happier times. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
“He was a brilliant pilot, having worked in Queensland for many years and Chief Pilot and Instructor to local pilots in Nepal for nearly five years, flying regularly to Lukla in the Everest region and some of the most dangerous airports in the world delivering rice and supplies for the World Food Programme, and providing emergency medical evacuation for people in remote areas.” Fellow pilot at Sunbird Aviation, John Nguyen, said Captain Picard was very experienced, having flown in Nepal.
“He’s a really good guy. It’s just devastating,” said Mr Nguyen.
Australian pilot Benjamin Picard with partner Matilda Branson. Picture: FacebookSource:Facebook
Friends and colleagues have expressed their distress and sadness at the tragic news, describing Mr Picard as a “top pilot and an even better bloke”.
Many took to Facebook to pay tribute to Mr Picard.
“Oh Benjamin, you were such a great friend,” said Lyn Sauna. “We all miss him dearly.”
Benjamin Picard with a colleague in Papaua New Guinea. Picture: FacebookSource:Facebook
“Horrible news. I’m going to miss his great laugh,” posted Kurtos Whallerich.
“RIP Benny. We’ve lost a top pilot and an even better bloke,” Martin Dawson wrote.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea is carrying out an investigation into the crash that happened late afternoon yesterday.
The landscape of Kiunga in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province. Picture: Kiunga Hospital/FacebookSource:Supplied
A DFAT spokesperson confirmed consular support was being provided “to the family of an Australian man who was on board a Sunbird Aviation aircraft travelling from Oksapmin to Kiunga in Western Province, Papua New Guinea.”
A Sunbird Aviation plane. Picture: Sunbird Aviation/FacebookSource:Supplied
“We continue to work closely with Papua New Guinea authorities,” DFAT said.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of the aircraft and their families. Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information.”
Inquiries are continuing as to the nationalities of others on board the plane.
Crash site ... A Sunbird Aviation plane has gone down in Kiunga, Papua New Guinea. Picture: GoogleSource:Supplied
Sunbird Aviation was previously involved in a serious incident in 2012, that left pilot Michael Butler with extensive injuries. Engine failure was blamed for the crash shortly after take off from Guari airstrip.
New Zealand website Stuff NZ quoted a former Sunbird Aviation employee, Vasil Wifo, who reported 12 bodies had been taken to the Kiunga Hospital morgue.
“It’s terrible news, everyone feels really low and really sad,” he said.
“It’s something we don’t expect to happen every day.”