Student pilot Merelesita Lutu (left) and flight school instructor Iliesa Tawalo.
Mosese Baledrokadroka and his family yesterday maintained a prayer vigil for missing stepson, flying instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student Merelesita Lutu.
The Nadi-based Pacific Flying School pilot and student were on a routine training flight on board a Cessna 172 aircraft when it disappeared in the mountainous interior of Macuata in Vanua Levu yesterday.
A similar Cessna aircraft at the hangar of the Pacific Flying School on February 26, 2018. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
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TIMELINE – WHAT HAPPENED
7:30AM – The Cessna 172M aircraft left Nadi International Airport for a scheduled training run to Waiqele Airport, Labasa, with flight instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student pilots Merelesita Lutu and Kalara Derederenalagi on board
11:30AM – Flight instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student pilot Merelesita Lutu left Waiqele Airport, Labasa, for Savusavu.
11:56AM – Last contact between the flight instructor and Savusavu Tower established where Mr Tawalo informed the tower that they were returning to Labasa. Last location showed to be over Navakuru Hills. No further contact made. Three search parties including officers from Fiji Police Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces started the search for the aircraft.
4PM – Search teams were at Delaikoro with help from villagers.
6PM – Search party focussing on Navakuru returned to the village hall and called off the search. Search parties also combed Suweni area and Delaikoro but went on to Doguru. At Doguru Village, DPC North SSP Verani Nakauyaca and Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea reconvened waiting for the military and police officers to return from their search who were still out conducting search well after 10pm.
10:30PM – Search suspended to resume today
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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