WorldAirPics.com Forum
Irish Related Topics => Irish Air Corps => Topic started by: Pink Panther on October 12, 2009, 07:49:29 pm
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http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1012/cornamona.html
Unconfirmed reports say it might possibly be a PC-9, hope they are wrong.
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Unfortunately it's not looking good:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1012/breaking73.htm
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Fears for crew as Air Corps plane crashes in Co Galway
Two Air Corps members are feared dead tonight after their plane crashed on the Galway-Mayo border.
It is understood the aircraft went down shortly after 6pm during a training exercise.
The Pilatus PC-9, carrying two people, had been on a routine exercise with two other planes when it went down.
A spokesman for the Defence Forces said: “I can confirm that an Air Corps aircraft is missing on the Galway-Mayo border, north of Lough Corrib.”
Air accident investigators from the Department of Transport are en route to the scene in Cornamona, Connemara.
Gardaí and emergency services are also at the scene.
The stricken plane was reported flying low near the village before a loud bang
was heard from a distance.
A spokeswoman from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said a local woman raised the alarm.
“It was one of three Air Corps aircraft in the area this afternoon,” the IAA spokeswoman said.
“At around 6pm a woman rang the air traffic control in Shannon to report that a plane had gone low overhead and that she heard a loud bang immediately after.”
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2 Air Corps crew are officially missing after the crash - RTE Nine O'Clock News
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RTE Nine O'Clock News report: http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1012/cornamona_av.html
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Defence Forces Press Office
12 October 2009. 11.10 pm.
Statement
The crew and wreckage of the Air Corps Pilatus PC 9 reported missing this evening have been located and the two crew members, the flight instructor and cadet pilot, are unfortunately confirmed dead. Their remains are at the scene of the crash, which has been sealed off by local Gardaí and Fire Crews.
The crash site will be examined at first light tomorrow morning by Air Accident Investigators from the Air Corps and Department of Transport. The remains of the two crew can only be removed after the scene has been cleared of the explosives from the PC 9 ejector seats which would be at the crash site also.
Names of the crew of the aircraft will not be released until it is confirmed that their families have been informed by Air Corps personnel. The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley and the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James have expressed their deepest sympathies on behalf of the Defence Forces at this difficult time for the families of these deceased airmen.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Note: The location of the crash site is in the area of Crumlin-East/Crumlin West, north of Lough Corrib, on the Galway-Mayo border.
ENDS.
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May both crew members Rest In Peace, my condolences go to their families.
As a mark of respect I have changed the header images for both IrishAirPics.com & WorldAirPics.com to black & white.
Thank you in advance for not speculating on the cause of this unfortunate crash.
Regards,
Frank.
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Very sad news.
R.I.P.
BM.
:ireland:
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R.I.P.
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I got the news Monday at 2000hrs, I was shocked and saddened. I deal with all the pilots and Cadets on a daily basis. Although I know the names I won`t say anything until thy`re officially released. We will endeavour to give them the send off they deserve.
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R.I.P.
Condolonces to their families, friends and loved ones.
...145
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R.I.P lads...... :ireland:
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http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1013/breaking4.htm
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Air Corps pilots killed in training flight
CONOR LALLY and LORNA SIGGINS
Separate investigations by the Defence Forces and the aviation authority are underway after two Air Corps pilots were killed when their training flight crashed in Co Mayo yesterday evening.
The captain and cadet were manning a two-seater training plane that came down about five miles west of Cong village after 6pm.
A spokeswoman for the Irish Aviation Authority said a local woman had raised the alarm after a loud bang was heard in the area where three Air Corps aircraft had been flying.
“At around 6pm a woman rang the air traffic control in Shannon to report that a plane had gone low overhead and that she heard a loud bang immediately after.”
The other two Pilatus PC 9 aircraft and crew landed safely at Galway Airport, where all three aircraft had been due to refuel shortly after 6pm.
The planes had taken off at 5.45pm from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co Dublin, for their training flights across the country. The plane that went down was reported missing about 35 minutes after takeoff.
After air traffic control at Shannon was notified an Irish Coast Guard helicopter was despatched from Shannon. The wreckage was then located in Crimlin east.
The search was focused on the area of Crimlin-East/Crimlin-West, between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.
Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea said: “I am receiving regular updates from the Chief of Staff on the unfolding situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the two men and their families at this time.”
The crash scene was described by military sources as a “rugged and mountainous” spot where low-flying exercises are carried out.
Emergency lighting had been erected at the crash scene last night in a bid to aid the search. Gardaí from Clifden sealed off the area and units of the local fire brigade were assisting the search.
There were reports last night the plane was attempting to make an emergency landing when it crashed.
Separate investigations by the Defence Forces and the aviation authority have commenced in an effort to establish the cause of the crash. Air Corps personnel travelled to the homes of the two pilots to break the news to their families of their deaths. The Irish Times understands the cadet under training was from Co Wexford while the other pilot was a senior instructor from the south Dublin area.
Their plane was one of eight Pilatus PC 9 aircraft that went into service in 2004. Air accident investigator teams from the Air Corps and the Department of Transport were travelling to Mayo last night.
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The names of the deceased crew have been released, they are Captain Derek Furniss (32) and Cadet David Jevens (22).
I met both of these guys at the air firing sessions in 2008 and I have to say the both of them were extremely nice & helpful, I'm sure they will be sadly missed by all who know them.
Further details, including a picture of Captain Furniss with Cadet Jevens in better times, are available on the RTE website here:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1013/cornamona.html
Regards,
Frank.
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Two pilots die in Air Corps crash
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 11:53
Air accident investigators have gone to the scene of last night's air crash in Connemara in which two Air Corps pilots lost their lives.
Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens were taking part in a training flight, in what were described as poor weather conditions, at the time of the crash.
The bodies are not expected to be removed from the crash scene until later today.
The Air Corps took this decision because the aircraft has ejector seats - which contain explosive charges - and these will have to be removed by army ordinance experts.
Rescue teams who reached the scene last night said the plane had crashed in exceptionally rough and rocky terrain, 2km from the nearest road.
They said debris had been scattered over an adjoining area.
So far there is no indication of what caused the crash.
Weather conditions in the area deteriorated overnight and there is low cloud and heavy mist in the mountain valley where the Pilatus PC-9 aircraft crashed.
Captain Derek Furniss joined the Defence Forces in October 1994 and is a qualified pilot since 1996 and a qualified flight instructor since 1999.
He has over 3,000 flight hours and was the Chief Flight Instructor on the Pilatus aircraft and member of the Air Corps PC-9 Display Team. Cpt Furniss, originally from Ballinteer in Dublin, was not married but was living with his partner in Dublin.
Cadet David Jevens joined the Defence Forces as an Air Corps Cadet in 2006 and was at the advanced stages of flight training on the PC-9 with over 160 flight hours and 50 simulator training hours over the past three years flight training. He was due for commissioning as a pilot later this year. Cadet Jevens was single and was from Glynn, Co Wexford.
President Mary McAleese said she had learned with 'shock and sadness' of the tragic deaths of two members of the Air Corps, while Taoiseach Brian Cowen extended his sympathy to their families and to the Air Corps saying he too was shocked and saddened to learn of the accident.
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Have only heard this shocking and very sad news this morning...
RIP
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My thoughts and prayers with the deceased and their families.
Rest In Peace.
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This is very sad indeed, i heard about the crash on a news bulletin on the way home from work last night and couldnt believe it. RIP
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Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.
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From military.ie
http://www.military.ie/dfhq/pubrel/news/2009/october/new13Oct.htm
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Defence Forces News
Tuesday 13, October 2009
Air Corps Crew Named
Crew Details PC-9
Captain Derek Furniss (32) and Cadet David Jevens (22) are the two crew members that died in the crash of the Air Corps PC-9 (Tail # 265) last night at Cornamona, Co. Galway.
Captain Derek Furniss joined the Defence Forces in October 1994 and is a qualified pilot since 1996 and a qualified flight instructor since 1999.
He has over 3,000 flight hours and was the Chief Flight Instructor on the Pilatus aircraft and member of the Air Corps PC-9 Display Team.
Derek, originally from Ballinteer, Dublin 16 was single and living with his partner in Dublin.
Cadet David Jevens joined the Defence Forces as an Air Corps Cadet in 2006 and was at the advanced stages of flight training on the PC-9 with over 160 flight hours and 50 simulator training hours over the past three years flight training.
He was due for commissioning as a pilot later this year. David was single and from Glynn, Co. Wexford.
Currently, the Air Accident Investigation teams are on scene at the crash site which is approx. 2 – 3 kilometres from Maam Cross, Co. Galway. The onsite investigation is estimated to take 48 – 72 hours initially. Gathering information from the site has commenced with data from the flight and cockpit voice recorder that have been located.
The Defence Forces ask for respect for both families at this very difficult time. Funeral arrangements for the deceased are a matter primarily for the families, but every assistance is being provided by Air Corps personnel.
General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James met the Furniss family last night and is meeting the Jevens family later today to extend sympathies on behalf of the men and women of the Defence Forces.
Further information from:
Press Officer: Comdt. Gavin Young 01 8042687 : 087 2482130
e-mail: pressofficer@defenceforces.iol.ie web: www.military.ie
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Pilatus PC-9M, registration 265, was the aircraft that crashed in Connemara.
As it so happens, 265 was the aircraft that flew the solo display at the Connemara Air Show at Clifden in June of this year and if memory serves me correctly Captain Derek Furniss was the pilot flying the display.
(http://www.irishairpics.com/images/reports/connemara_09/Connemara_Air_Show_2009xxxIMG_4580.jpg)
(http://www.irishairpics.com/images/reports/connemara_09/Connemara_Air_Show_2009xxxIMG_4729-01.jpg)
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Frank,
A stunning topside shot - a fitting tribute to two of the Nations' finest sons.
May they rest in peace
Snapper :(
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From military.ie
http://www.military.ie/dfhq/pubrel/news/2009/october/new13Octa.htm
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Tributes Paid to Air Corps Crew
The remains of Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens have been removed from the crash site to University College Hospital Galway. As the investigation continues into the causes of the crash of the Pilatus PC-9 last night, General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James summed up the mood at the moment by saying:
"The Air Corps is devastated by the loss these two very fine young men. The mood here is very sombre. Derek was a consummate professional who set and drove standards in all his work in Baldonnel.
David was living his life’s dream to become an Air Corps pilot and was on the cusp of achieving that later in the year with his classmates. Their loss is felt deeply here in Casement but also within the family’s I have met and the community’s they are from."
Captain Matt Quinlan who worked and instructed with Derek Furniss in the Flight Training School spoke of the loss of the two men saying:
“Derek worked in flight training for a long time here in Baldonnel and his legacy will always be the standards he set for everyone. He was an excellent teacher and he was always the steady hand within the school that was called upon for informed insight into individual cadet pilots. He was also an avid Leinster Rugby supporter who held season tickets.
David was a member of the 27 Air Corps Cadet Class with six other classmates who have visited his family today. He was a quiet individual who worked very hard. When you flew with him you knew his preparation would be 100% because he was so committed. He went home to his beloved Wexford every weekend to be with friends and family and would have turned 22 [years of age] today.
This is a very difficult time for all of us here, but nothing compared to Derek and David’s families and our hearts go out to them. Their loss is immeasurable.”
From a young age Captain Derek Furniss was highly involved in Scouting Ireland and actively supported and promoted scouting activities in south Dublin. He completed the Dublin City Marathon in 2008 and went on to further athletic success with Rathfarnham Athletic Club. Derek was also an avid Leinster and Ireland rugby fan and as a season ticket holder attended every home game.
Derek recently achieved academic success with the award of a first class honours Bachelor of Science Degree through the School of Business in DIT. He also held a Degree in Marketing and as fan of Coldplay attended all their recent Irish concerts.
Cadet David Jevens was scheduled to graduate with his Military Pilot Wings and Officer Commission later this year. David also had a keen interest in motor sports, owning and restoring several vehicles. In recent times, he became involved in Kayaking and, in the process, taught himself to swim. A keen model aircraft pilot, David was renowned in the Wexford model flying community for his skill, and also his enduring interest in Search and Rescue flying.
As a mark of respect to our two Air Corps colleagues the Defence Forces Annual Gala Concert scheduled for Saturday 17 October 2009 at the National Concert Hall has been postponed until the New Year.
Further information from:
Press Officer: Comdt. Gavin Young 01 8042687 : 087 2482130
e-mail: pressofficer@defenceforces.iol.ie web: www.military.ie
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My sympathy and that of Northern Ireland Wing ,Air Training Corps goes out to the families and the IAC in general, following the events with the Tutors earlier this year we know what a devastating effect this will have on such a tight knit community as the IAC.I met Captain Furniss on our cadet visit to Baldonnal a few years back ,he was a great host on the PC-9 unit.Rest in peace ,at least you died doing something you loved.
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Funeral Details
Captain Derek Furniss RIP
Cadet David Jevens RIP
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2009.
For immediate release.
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The remains of Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens will arrive from Galway to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin this evening at approx 8.00 pm. There will be a prayer service in the Garrison Church on their arrival (no cameras in the church). This will be attended by the Furniss and Jevens families, the Minister for Defence Mr Willie O’Dea TD, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Dermot Earley and General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James along with many friends and colleagues of Derek and David. Prior to the service the Minister for Defence and Chief of Staff will meet the families privately to express their sympathies.
The remains of both Derek and David will rest overnight, under escort, at the Garrison Church. Both crew men will be buried with full military honours. Funeral details:
Captain Derek Furniss
15 Oct 09: Derek’s remains will be brought to his home in Rathfarnam (house private until 5.00 pm).
17 Oct 09: 12.oo pm Memorial Service at St. John the Evangelist Church, Ballinteer Road, Dublin (no media in the church). Burial afterwards at Kilmashogue Cemetery, Edmonstown Road, Co. Dublin.
Cadet David Jevens
15 Oct 09: David’s remains will be brought to his home in Glynn, Co Wexford (house private until 3.00 pm).
16 Oct 09: 11.oo am Requiem Mass at St. Alphonsus Church, Barntown, Co. Wexford. Burial afterwards in the church grounds.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Media may attend, but must respect the wishes of each family, the solemnity of the ceremonies and the instructions of military marshals at each funeral.
Press Officer: Comdt. Gavin Young 01 8042687 : 087 2482130
e-mail: pressofficer@defenceforces.iol.ie web: www.military.ie
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Very shocked and saddened when I heard the news.
It struck me that it seems to be only when a tragedy like this happens that the general public get some little appreciation of (and information about!) the professional and excellent work that the Air Corps undertake everday!
RIP :ireland:
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Was on holiday in Italy when I heard this terrible news-very sad to hear of this tragedy
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David was in 265 with Derek at the Clifden airshow, thanks for posting the pics. fox tango 265 out. donal
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Capt. Furniss also displayed the same aircraft at this years Bray Air Display. He gave a fine solo performance following a four ship rountine.
RIP to both.
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May they rest in peace.
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R.I.P.
Regards
Conor
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Hi Guys,
I know we all have questions around what happened that caused the crash and what was done in the few days afterwards.
I edited conoramoia's post to remove a comment and I deleted a post by quattrowex and Fouga as these posts related to the line I deleted from conoramoia's post.
As you all know I'm not a person for deleting or editing posts but I did it this time as one of the deceased pilot's family members was upset and I'm sure the last thing we need to be doing now is upsetting the families of those involved in the crash.
Regards,
Frank.
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Totally agree Frank.
Regards.
Tony K
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Was looking through some old pictures and found this one. 265 was the Pilatus that visited us in Beauvechain, Belgium at the 2004 trainers meet.