Flight Captain : Stop speculation on Garang crash !
by Mike Mukula, The New Vision.
Aug 24, 2005 (Kampala) — My attention has been drawn to the recent reports on the death of Lt. Gen. Dr. John Garang (deceased) in an MI-172 helicopter near the Sudan-Uganda border.
Being a professional aviator (Flight Captain), I have come to the conclusion that most of the commentaries and debates on the tragedy, were being aired from a non informed position.
The commentaries and debates were of a speculative nature, warranting an authoritative response to set the record straight, with the view of refocusing the level of commentaries and debate.
The MI-172 executive helicopter
The MI-172 helicopter gunships are manufactured in Kazakhstan and Russia. They are suitable for both civil and military duty and have been used in many countries including Iran, India, Afghanistan, Africa and institutions such as the United Nations Organisation.
The acquisition of the fateful MI-172 helicopter was recommended by the Parliamentary Sessional Committee on Presidential Affairs during the sixth parliament following the near fatal plane crash involving President Museveni and Baroness Linda Chalker in Karamoja (I had flown the President and his guest).
The Committee then, being concerned with the President’s safety in using standard (read ordinary civil) chartered planes, recommended the acquisition of an appropriate aircraft that would not only allow high mobility, but also not compromise the security of the President, hence the procurement of the MI-172 helicopter.
The helicopter was strategically placed under the command of the Air Force; which has highly skilled and trained personnel. The late Col. Nyakairu had over 30 years experience, mainly in flying helicopters.
He had an equally qualified support crew and was also very systematic in the discharge of his duties to the extent that he was respected within and outside the aviation circles on the continent and beyond.
The aviation industry is probably the most regulated industry and emphasis is put on safety measures and precautions at the point of manufacture and routine and specific maintenance.
Secondly, weather is one of the biggest enemies to any aircraft, regardless of make, model and size.
Even big planes like the Boeing 747 Jumbo jet experience turbulence (even during clear weather) and flip streams, including high level speed winds, especially when flying through mountainous areas, where the wind pattern is erratic. This is a result of nature’s formation and the peculiar wind pattern and flow, under a specific geographical terrain.
The overhauled helicopter
It has also been speculated that the fateful helicopter was no longer airworthy and that this could have been the main cause of the crash! I do not believe this was the case.
An aircraft has three main components:
-Power Plant: engine parts;
-Avionics: navigation equipment and facilities; and
-Airframe: the main body.
When an aircraft has been overhauled, it is literally brought to the level of a new aeroplane!
The overhaul of the fateful helicopter involved installation of new modern navigation equipment and facilities, the latest in the industry.
The airframe was also as good as new, since there had not been any physical damage to the body of the helicopter. The power plant had been well serviced and rendered appropriate to serve effectively.
Therefore, it is wrong to run commentaries, speculate, argue and debate from an uninformed position that the helicopter was not airworthy.
Bodies of the deceased.
When a helicopter crashes, it is possible that some bodies of some passengers get burnt beyond ordinary recognition. Most of the bodies in the helicopter were charred beyond recognition save that of the late Lt. Gen. John Garang.
The body parts were collected in 17 bags from where forensic experts had to identify and ascertain the parts of each respective deceased person using the DNA technology. This explains the long time it took to conclude this intricate exercise. Therefore, by the time the bodies were released, their respective parts had been put together by the most professional persons in the relevant medical field.
It is better to wait for the findings of the investigative team rather than speculate as to the cause of the crash or the number of people on board. The media should also be sensitive to matters of regional security and stability when reporting on this issue.
Press freedom should not be abused in total disregard of those who have been affected by this tragic loss.
Mike Mukula is a Flight Captain, Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Health (General Duties)