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Pilot of crashed plane reported problems shortly after take off
By The Daily Herald
Posted: Oct 27, 2009 00:17 UTC
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BONAIRE - Five minutes after take off from Hato airport in Curaçao, pilot Robert Mansell had reported to the control tower that there were problems with one of the engines. Another nine minutes later the aircraft ditched into the sea one kilometre south of "Klein" (Small) Bonaire.
The investigation into the crash that cost the pilot his life should shed some light on why Mansell, who ended up unconscious and was still in the wreck when it sank, had decided to continue his flight instead of returning to Hato.
The tapes of the conversations with the control tower management have already been played back, Minister Maurice Adriaens of Transport and Communication (FOL) confirmed. However, for him it is more important that the aircraft and Mansell be recovered.
The Netherlands has offered assistance. "Minister Camiel Eurlings (Traffic & Transport-ed) telephoned immediately yesterday to express his sincere sympathy, but also to offer assistance."
The help would have to include hi-tech underwater equipment, as the aircraft is estimated to be at a depth between 150 and 200 metres. Adriaens confirmed that requests for technical assistance have already been made.
The nine passengers who survived the emergency landing last week have already been heard as well. "It is important to know what caused the engine failure," said the minister.
Technically, it is possible to continue a flight on one engine and keep the aircraft in the air even if it is fully booked. "That is also one of the reasons why we want the aircraft recovered."
Everyone at Divi Divi airline was very upset about the disaster. "It’s painful," said an employee, "but the company must continue."
Director Germaine Richie said about the pilot: "Robert had not been with us for that long. He had come from Winair, where they fly with similar aircraft, but we are a small company and we see and talk with each other every day."
It is the first time that Divi Divi has experienced such a disaster since its existence. "Every airline experiences the usual defects, but we never had anything like this before.
Robert Mansell (32) was a Brit. His father, who lives in London, was informed soon after the accident. He was not sure whether he would come to Curaçao, even though Divi Divi had offered to take care of his flight. Mansell had a girlfriend and a roommate on Curaçao.
Richie also wants to have the aircraft recovered, "foremost to be able to give Robert a dignified funeral. He did everything in his power to save the aircraft and the passengers, and we want to conclude the process."
Why the pilot had chosen to continue flying instead of returning and if the aircraft had excess weight as suggested earlier, should become apparent from the investigation. "Robert probably acted to the best of his abilities. There is nothing we can say on the 'why'," said Richie.
A few of the nine passengers chose to return to Curaçao by boat, while others booked the trip back with another airline company.
The Aviation Directorate gave the airline company permission to continue with its operations soon after the accident. There were not many cancellations, but people did express their sympathy.
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