Media Release
Air search successful in Northern Territory
Two men missing in a small helicopter since yesterday morning have been found safe and well about 25 miles (46 kms) from their flight destination to the Mirrangadja Aboriginal community in Arnham land.
The Robinson 22 helicopter was spotted by search aircraft at 9.20am this morning and the two men, pilot Garth Jones, 22 and mechanic Colin Eglington, 26, found nearby by a rescue helicoptor.
The men from North Australian Helicopters P/L had been on a 190nm (350km) flight from Katherine to Mirrangadja yesterday to repair an aircraft and were due to arrive mid-afternoon. They were reported overdue to Australian Search and Rescue in Canberra at 7.30pm last night by the company's chief pilot.
AusSAR coordinated a search through the night with a Northern Territory Police aircraft and resumed the search at first light this morning with six aircraft.
The men have been flown to Mirrangadja for a medical inspection.
Further information:
David Gray AMSA PR 0418 487 794
last updated: 30 December 2003