[AS380 Mark Richards]

This afternoon I was flying an RNZAF C-130 Hercules from Gisborne to Ohakea via the coast at 8,000 feet on a routine ASHA Flight. I was flying online on the VATSIM Network.

As I was overhead the Palmerston North VOR about to join left base for RWY27 at Ohakea, I heard a PAN call from a Beech 1900D en route from Nelson to Palmerston North following a warning about "Pressure Danger Level" and he declared that he was diverting to Paraparaumu. He happened to be another Air Source pilot but I won't divulge who, now will I Jason?

Being the thoughtful ASHA Pilot I am, I aborted my approach and put the throttles to the firewall and headed over to escort him and be available to drop a lift raft if necessary. I met up with just over Kapiti Island but being the skillful pilot that he is, he managed to land on RWY34 at NZPP without further incident.

Fortunately I had an RNZAF photographer on board who managed to record the action as it unfolded:

1. Along with FASTJET34, we depart Palmerston North to intercept the crippled aircraft



2. My Herc low level past the Tararua Ranges heading for the intercept.



3. We sight the aircraft just south of Kapiti Island.



4. The view from the flight deck as we turn to follow him in.



5. Banking around as he lines up for finals RWY34.



6. I'm leveling out to escort him as my observers monitor his progress



7. Level with him on his final descent



8. I'll stay high as he approaches in case we need to radio for assistance



9. He's on short finals and all looks good.



10. Touchdown safely!



11. I'm climbing out again for RNZAF Ohakea as he taxis in, safe and sound.



Another successful mission complete!