[David Dixon]

Hello all

To assist future search and rescues, like the recent unfortunate accident here in Australia, I'm interested to know whether the untrained public would consider a Skymaster to appear as a twin or single in media reports. Here, the 337 that went down was missing for two days and false reports hampered the search. The media's referral as a twin I feel could confuse the public. I've had people when they look at my aircraft gasp with confusion when I tell them it's a twin. Generally most non-aviation folk have the idea that a twin light plane has an engine on either wing. A single has an engine in the nose. In the air the configuration surely seems like a single. So what do you think the media should report. I thing they should say a light plane with 2 booms etc and not mention twin or single. Any thoughts on this?

I am the owner of a 336 based at the same airport as the crashed 337. (Moorabbin Australia)

I have been passionately following this investigation particularly as my wife was holidaying at the exact spot that the plane disappeared. She may well have been one of the last witnesses to see it prior to the crash. The route it was traveling is also very familiar with us as we regularly head to Flinders Island about 90 knt miles south west from the crash site.

At this stage there are reports that it emerged from fog a few miles further on from where they saw it and was traveling at sea level maybe trying to land on the beach there, which is quite a possibility as it is very wide and long. The young witnesses reported that a rocky outcrop would have inhibited the landing and the 337 banked and disappeared. They heard a crash but neglected to notify authorities, as they weren't sure (would you believe). The aircraft they decided later hit the deck about 100 mts off shore. Bad weather is hampering the search for the rest of the fuselage and one body. Three others were killed.
It appears at this stage that the pilot flew into non VMC.

Would you also believe that a credible witness (as my wife) was neglected to be interviewed in their search for the aircraft. She has 10 years experience with Skymasters here in Australia and after I made the initial call to the Search and rescue to call her, they felt they had enough reports. I bet none were Skymaster savvy. She had the direction the height and the sound of the engine to report. Wheels up or down would have told them something also. but no not interested.
I look forward to your opinions of how Skymasters are perceived from the ground. This valuable knowledge could be circulated for all future Search and Rescue scenarios where Skymasters are involved.
Regards
David Dixon.. Melbourne Australia