A Robinson R44 helicopter used by the Finke Desert Race supporters apparently lost power and landed heavily near the Rodinga check point around 95 kms south of Alice Springs



A 25-year-old passenger has been flown to Adelaide with suspected spinal injuries - the pilot suffered only minor injuries but the 4-seat rotary-wing machine was not so lucky

"More than 600 riders and drivers are taking part in the race this year and they will be watched over by about 300 officials"



The Finke classic is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory and is traditionally staged over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend

A wise 50-year-old pilot accompanied by his 44-year-old passenger carried out a successful precautionary landing with the rented Cessna 172 they were in on the as yet unopened Peninsula Link freeway just north of Bungower Road in Mornington after fog closed in around them



Victorian Police stated "Due to weather issues with the low lying fog - they've decided as a safety precaution - to set down"



The aircraft was undamaged

NSW police have advised that the pilot of a 'small recreational aircraft' - a 58-years-old male - has died in a crash about 2km north of Temora airport in the Riverina



The pilot - the only person on board - was found deceased at the crash site



The microlight type was not identified

CASA in their wisdom have suspended all operations of Alligator Airways - a popular tourist scenic flight business in West Oz that has been flying thrill seekers to the rare and spectacular sights of the Kimberley region - the action resulted in the frustrated owner handing the business over to Administrators to sort out the mess



A 'quick sale' ensued - includes the Air Operators Certificate and 16-aircraft along with a maintenance hangar with facilities

"The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain memorial flight with the Lancaster bomber leading accompanied by four Spitfires in close V-formation supported by a Hurricane 'in the box' flew down The Mall to over fly Buckingham Palace"

"The flight was followed up by the crack RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team trailing the obligatory coloured smoke"


"Her Royal Highness was reported in the media as very pleased with the flypast"