I had my first plane flight on this very plane "Riama" with Des Porter when I was 5 years old, in 2005, I remember watching the news reports that it had gone missing in 2012, and later that it had crashed with no survivors, I can only hope that the family and friends of Des and the other passengers have found some peace since this happened.
A terrible day for the loss of life and a piece of aviation history. I was at Watts bridge in 2010 and was knocked over by the beauty of this airplane. You could tell it was a labour of love for him.
For those not aware, this aircraft was reported missing over the rugged Sunshine Coast Hinterland on the afternoon of 1 October 2012. The conditions were overcast at the time and the piloted reported being uncertain of location in cloud. They were returning from a gathering at Monto to Caboolture with 6 P.O.B. As of 1600 hrs on 02 October a large search group were active with no positive sightings so far. We can only hope that there will be a happy resolution to this drama.
Using the past tense already. Though at this stage, over 24 hours since last contact, we're hoping for a miracle. ABC 612 4pm news reported nothing other than that the search now appears to have one of the largest helicopter search groups gathered in SE Qld ever. Being busy with the camera at the various events, I never got to meet Des directly. My heart goes out to all those on board and do hope for a safe finding.
On the afternoon of the 3rd of October 2012, the wreckage of VH-UXG, Riama was found near Imbil in SE Qld (SW of Gympie) after an extensive aerial search in the area. News reports indicated that it had been a high energy impact and there were no survivors. This is extremely sad news for all in the Vintage Aircraft fraternity in Australia and lovers of de Havilland aircraft around the world. Des Porter and his wife, Kathleen, will be missed by all who knew them.
Sad to hear that the crash was fatal for all passengers, for sure a great loss for the aviation enthusiasts and for the family of the ones that perished in the crash. Rest in peace.
I had my first plane flight on this very plane "Riama" with Des Porter when I was 5 years old, in 2005, I remember watching the news reports that it had gone missing in 2012, and later that it had crashed with no survivors, I can only hope that the family and friends of Des and the other passengers have found some peace since this happened.
A terrible day for the loss of life and a piece of aviation history. I was at Watts bridge in 2010 and was knocked over by the beauty of this airplane. You could tell it was a labour of love for him.
For those not aware, this aircraft was reported missing over the rugged Sunshine Coast Hinterland on the afternoon of 1 October 2012. The conditions were overcast at the time and the piloted reported being uncertain of location in cloud. They were returning from a gathering at Monto to Caboolture with 6 P.O.B. As of 1600 hrs on 02 October a large search group were active with no positive sightings so far. We can only hope that there will be a happy resolution to this drama.
Using the past tense already. Though at this stage, over 24 hours since last contact, we're hoping for a miracle. ABC 612 4pm news reported nothing other than that the search now appears to have one of the largest helicopter search groups gathered in SE Qld ever. Being busy with the camera at the various events, I never got to meet Des directly. My heart goes out to all those on board and do hope for a safe finding.
On the afternoon of the 3rd of October 2012, the wreckage of VH-UXG, Riama was found near Imbil in SE Qld (SW of Gympie) after an extensive aerial search in the area. News reports indicated that it had been a high energy impact and there were no survivors. This is extremely sad news for all in the Vintage Aircraft fraternity in Australia and lovers of de Havilland aircraft around the world. Des Porter and his wife, Kathleen, will be missed by all who knew them.
The pilot of this plane (des porter) was a close family friend of ours I hope they find him
Sad to hear that the crash was fatal for all passengers, for sure a great loss for the aviation enthusiasts and for the family of the ones that perished in the crash. Rest in peace.
Great video .....
I'm impressed at how many people it can carry with only 130hp per side! Guess that's because of the large lifting area.
Hope this aircraft and passengers are found :(
Cool video .....