P2-MHM was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Coffs Harbour and Redcliffe on Monday and remained parked for the night. It was photographed above and below early on Tuesday 18 February as it prepared to depart for Mackay Airport and then Cairns.
P2-MHM was then photographed below as it visited Mackay Airport.
It is expected that P2-MHM will continue to PNG in the coming days.
P2-MHM was reportedly brought to Australia by Redcliffe-based AeroPower for operations in Southern Australia during the recent bushfire crisis. P2-MHM looked to operate mostly out of
Merimbula in Southern New South Wales.
Of interest, the Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world's most prolific utility helicopters ever built with over 7 300 examples manufactured since 1961, bring used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, it was the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
UPDATE! Sadly on Saturday 15 May 2021, Hevilift Aviation (Papua New Guinea) Mil Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter P2-MHM crashed in a remote location in PNG. It’s reported the four crew onboard only suffered minor Injuries and walked away from the accident. Unfortunately the P2-MHM, also known as Mad Max, was extensively damaged in the accident and will be missed by aviation enthusiasts.
Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great visitor to CQ!
Photos taken by Isaac S and 'AC' ©
More about the crash can be found at: https://emtv.com.pg/png-accident-investigation-commission-to-conduct-investigation-on-jiwaka-helicopter-accident/
Photos taken by Isaac S and 'AC' ©
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