CHARITY organisation Angel Flight Australia says it cannot offer any comment regarding the possible cause of the Mount Gambier aviation accident given it is awaiting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s final report.
“It is now 12 months since the tragic aircraft accident at Mount Gambier which claimed the lives of the pilot and two passengers,” Angel Flight chief executive officer Marjorie Pagani said yesterday.
“Angel Flight’s thoughts are with all of the families, friends and communities who lost loved and respected members.”
Ms Pagani said Angel Flight had always adopted a “very strict” recruiting process for pilots and drivers and continued to do so.
“We have opened our books, procedures and systems to both the ATSB and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and continue to have an open and cooperative relationship with both authorities,” she said.
“We have a commitment to doing all that is possible in our own environments to enhance safety.”
Ms Pagani said many messages of support for the families were sent to the organisation by the general community, volunteers and passengers who have used the service delivered by volunteers across all levels and Angel Flight had thanked them for their good wishes.
“The public support for Angel Flight and its dedicated volunteer pilots and drivers has also been overwhelming, particularly in South Australia, where we assist a rapidly growing number of disadvantaged rural families to obtain medical treatment in the cities,” she said in a statement.
“All serious accidents are tragic, whether it be road, air or accidents at sea. The people of South Australia have let us know the service is valuable and must continue.”
She said Angel Flight had assisted more than 60,000 people across Australia to access treatment.
“We cannot offer any comment in relation to the possible causes of the accident and await the outcome of the ATSB final report,” Ms Pagani said.
