Posted on 01/23/2020 6:47:02 PM PST by naturalman1975
The Americans killed in a firey plane crash yesterday have been identified, with their families expected to land in Australia early tomorrow to bring their loved ones home.
Captain Ian McBeth, 45, First Officer Paul Hudson, 43, and Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan Jnr, 43, died instantly yesterday when their C-130 Hercules plane crashed in the south of New South Wales, exploding into a ball of flames.
The three firefighting aeroplane crew members were killed just before 2pm yesterday when the aerial water tanker they were in crashed while battling fires near Cooma in the state’s Snowy Mountains region.
The plane was operated by Canada-based Coulson Aviation, which confirmed one of its Lockheed large air tankers had been lost after it left Richmond with retardant for a firebombing mission.
In a statement, Coulson Aviation paid tribute to the three men and said their deaths would be “deeply felt by all”.
“Thank you for recognising the work that our crews do and for expressing your condolences and grief for the families of our fallen heroes,” Coulson said.
Mr McBeth was from the US state of Montana and is survived by his wife Bowdie and their three children Abigail, Calvin and Ella.
“Ian’s love for his wife and children was evident for anyone who spent time around him,” the statement said.
He had spent his entire career flying C-130s in both the military and Coulson aviation.
Mr Hudson was from Arizona and is survived by his wife Noreen. He also spent time in the military, serving in the United States Marine Corp.
Mr DeMorgan Jnr was from Florida and is survived by his two children Lucas and Logan.
He had spent 18 years in the US Air Force as an engineer.
“Rick’s passion was always flying and his children,” the statement read.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
There's a creed taught to firefighters in Australia.
When lives are in danger,
Though your own is in doubt,
You have to go in,
You don't have to come out.
God bless these heroes. God bless their families.
Very sad...
Bummer
Sounds a bit like the USCG motto,”Ya got’ah go out Ya dont have to come back”
Yes, I think that motto was probably the original inspiration.
Fighting fires is dangerous business...it's that simple.
RIP, gentlemen.
Sad Ping :(
God bless these brave souls and comfort their families. Greater love hath no man...
deep sadness there and here.
Baruch Dayan Emes (”G-d is the true Judge”). May their memories be a blessing. Such a shame to lose such brave men who only sought to help others.
Memory eternal!
Cause of the crash? Does anyone know?
A C-130 doesn’t just suddenly stop flying!
Haven't seen anything yet.
Yes it is
Very dangerous
I’m proud of these men for going down to Australia to help out. So sorry for their loss, and their family’s sorrow.
There are times when life just sucks.
Australia has mourned their loss. I appreciate that.
I have an affinity for the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel.
Yes, especially for their children. I hope they can find comfort in that their Dad’s were heroes, helping others.
Fire fighting a/c (primarily fixed wing) suffer on occasion, from catastrophic airframe stress failures. One second the a/c is flying as intended, the next... a wing spar snaps and the a/c immediately plummets into the ground.
When loaded to a maximum gross weight, the loss of an engine, too close to the ground for a live-saving recovery maneuver to be accomplished, will do it too.
RIP airmen
I can’t seem to find the answer, but was this a flight into terrain or an in air breakup incident?
No information on that has been released as far as I can tell. The investigation has really only just begun.
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