A Jet Ranger helicopter, similar to the one NTM uses.
Papua New Guinea (MNN) ― New Tribes Missions reports that a missionary pilot walked away from a helicopter crash last week in Papua New Guinea.
Pilot Ray Finsaas was shuttling fuel to the missionary team working with the Itutang tribe in a remote section of the country.
The Jet Ranger was badly damaged on a remote airstrip during a fuel transport. According to NTM Aviation, the fuel was in a sling under the helicopter, a normal way of carrying cargo by helicopter. The aircraft was "very close to the ground . . . basically in a hover" when the accident occurred.
The safety record has been spotless until now. The helicopter has been operated by NTM Aviation in Papua New Guinea since 1993 without an accident. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation.
Unfortunately, the helicopter is the team's only one in the country. NTM Aviation is sending it to the mission's flight center in Papua New Guinea. Repairs are anticipated to cost in excess of $250,000.
However, the repair costs could exceed the value of the vehicle. If that comes to pass, NTM Aviation would choose to replace it. Replacing the helicopter is expected to cost more than $500,000
Thank the Lord the pilot was not hurt, but also pray that the plan can be repaired.
SIL International, a sister organization of Wycliffe Bible Translators, has two helicopters in Papua New Guinea and is expected to help carry the workload until NTM Aviation can put a helicopter back into service.
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