Crew Was Robbed By 'Thugs'

Heli Solutions Limited of Papua New Guinea has suspended flight operations after one of its crews was robbed by men described as "heavily armed" on a scheduled charter flight.

The Bell 407 was being piloted by Capt. Phil Emeck, the company's owner and CEO. He had a second crew member with him.

Island Business reports that the company had been awarded a contract by the Electoral Commission to transport materials and people connected with local government elections in the highlands provinces. While on the ground at Katiloma Bible Mission for refueling, the crew was confronted by about 30 armed men, who demanded 10,000 Kina (K) ... the equivalent of about $4,200. Emeck offered them K1,000 from his pocket, but they demanded that he fly alone to Mt Hagen, leaving his crewmember behind, and bring back the amount they demanded or they would damage or destroy the aircraft.

Emeck said he offered the bandits another K5,000 he had on his person, and they allowed him to leave after some consideration.

Emeck said it was not the first time an aircraft crew had been accosted by armed thugs in the region, and that he has suspended all of the company's flights into the area. The incident was reported to local police.

FMI: www.casapng.gov.pg