Dadae praise follows shock over pilot’s death

Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae says the death of prominent bush pilot Capt Thomas Keindip is a big loss for the people of Kabwum, Morobe and Papua New Guinea.
Sir Bob, former Kabwum MP, spoke the North Coast Aviation chief pilot and flight operations manager from Sikam village in the Komba local level government of Kabwum.
Keindip was 40 when he died recently after a short illness.
Sir Bob passed his condolences to Keindip’s immediate and extended family.
“It was shocking news to those of us who knew him,” he said.
“He was a pilot who helped me in many ways, travelling in and out of Kabwum to deliver materials and services.
“Captain Keindip was a very talented, very committed and intelligent young pilot.
“He was a person you could have confidence and faith in, especially during bad weather. On the way to Kabwum, if we encountered clouds or bad weather, the captain knew the geography very well and he could deliver people safely.
“That’s something that a lot of people in Kabwum and Morobe will miss.
“He had the experience that could have taken him to other places of employment and greener pastures like PNG Air or Air Niugini, but he decided to remain with North Coast Aviation and serve the people. He gave his life to serve the people and he has done a lot of good for aviation in Morobe.
“It is a big loss not just for the family, but people of Morobe and especially outlying areas like Kabwum and Garaina and other places that depend heavily on air transport.
“We will miss the services of this young man.
“We don’t have many educated and experienced people like Keindip, so it will take a long time to replace a person like him.”