Kokoda plane tragedy remembered

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE second anniversary of a tragic plane crash along the Owen Stanley Range was observed yesterday at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
The crash which claimed 13 lives was described as one of the “most tragic” in PNG aviation history.
It was commemorated in a ceremony with the laying of wreaths and the planting of shrubs by family members and relatives of the deceased.
On Aug 11, 2009, at around 9.30am, a Twin Otter plane owned by Airlines PNG left Jackson International Airport for Kokoda with 13 people on board – nine Australians, three Papua New Guineans and a Japanese.
They never made it.
The plane was commanded by Capt Jannie Moala and First Officer Royden Sauka and crashed because of bad weather.
Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish said the gathering was  significant because it was a time when the families, friends and relatives of the victims came together and remembered the lives lost in the crash.
“We will remember their spirit of courage and adventure,” Kemish said.
He said their deaths, although tragic, had created a bond between the people of Australia and PNG.  
He said the memorial was erected facing the Owen Stanley Range to remember the victims.
Tars Sauka, 36, elder brother of the first officer, said the event meant a lot to the family and their relatives.
“Royden is our hero,” Tars said.
“His passing left a big scar in our hearts. Every time we see a plane fly by we think of him.
“He was the first pilot from Gulf province and his life and testimony has inspired many young people,” he added.