Rough weather in Madang province has seen the demise of a Heli Solutions Ltd Bell 407, with five passengers on board sustaining serious injuries after it crash landed a few minutes from the Gebrau Airstrip from Sengapi on the 22nd of this month. Minister for Aviation Walter Schnaubelt in a statement reported that the helicopter departed Sengapi Airstrip at 03:02 pm and was on approach to land at Gebrau Airstrip at around 03:15 pm when the accident occurred. “I am informed that Heli Solutions Ltd subsequently conducted a rescue operation in coordination with Air Traffic Control but was unable to access the accident site due to deteriorating weather.” “It is reported that the nearby Gebrau villagers have assisted the pilot and passengers and have provided shelter in the meantime.” The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) was called and notified about the accident at 4:50 pm and has commenced an investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. A team of investigators was set to deploy to the accident site. There is not much known about the circumstances of the accident and the lead up at this point. “As the AIC conducts investigations for the sole purpose of improving aviation safety, I expect that all parties will harmoniously cooperate and comply with the AIC investigation process.”