Earlier this month one of our C206’s P2-MFN, was having one of its wings repaired (a big job) after it’s wing was used for a another C206 that was damaged last year. The aircraft had been in the hangar for a while. The completion of the maintenance had been delayed by more priority maintenance, by staff or parts not being available. Flight Ops were constantly asking for the aircraft.
1. The damaged wing – it had to be in a wing jig to be repaired
The wing repair was finished and the wing installed onto the aircraft. The aircraft was out of the hangar and was ready for a return to service flight. One MAF pilot, Mike Bottrell, carried out the return to service flight which went well, but a few adjustments required. As the guys completed their work and were packing up for the day at 1630, a call came through the programming office. A radio call had just come in for a medivac (medical evacuation) from Mengamanau, a new airstrip built for SIL missionaries. A young girl had been attacked by a wild pig while she had been working in the garden. She had been severely bitten and gored by the wild pig. The question was would MAF be able to get her to hospital in time. It was late and daylight would start fading soon. The girls father had only just arrived at the airstrip with his daughter. He had carried her for more than a day from his remote village.
2. The repaired wing installed on MFN
There were no aircraft available to travel to this short and rough airstrip, except for the one just completed in maintenance. The daily inspection had already been done prior to the RTS flight and the fuel tanks were full of fuel after the fuel tank calibration. Mike’s headset was still in the aircraft, as it had not been taxied down to the base for operations the next day. So the aircraft could not of been more ready for an immediate departure. Mike took off from Mt Hagen and was able to be at Mengamanau an hour after the girl had been carried in. She was placed on the floor of the aircraft accompanied by her father and uncle. They were able to arrive back to Mt Hagen before last light, otherwise they would of spent another night in the bush.
Diana, her father and uncle made it to Mt Hagen General Hospital that evening. She was in shock after losing a lot of blood, but was stabilized at the hospital. She was able to have surgery two days later. Some MAF families have been able to visit her in hospital and assist with her stay there. In most hospital’s in PNG you need someone to take care of you, from cooking to cleaning your sheets. They were able to take food, clean sheets and some toys. Even some distant relatives were able to visit her to assist the hospital staff, as she and her father only speak their Tok Ples (local dialect).
3. Diana and her Dad, photo taken recently (I’ll spare you the photo’s of her injuries)
It will most likely be months before Diana can go home again. She must get through more surgery (including skin grafts) and infections, but is not well enough at present for surgery. There was concern how long the aircraft had been in for maintenance, but God had His perfect timing. So that the aircraft would be ready at exactly when the aircraft was needed. It is a privilege for the Engineers here and other MAF staff to see God’s hand move like this so often. Without the support and prayers from people all over the world, MAF would not be able to operate here and respond to the greatest needs. Diana and her family are subsistence farmers, they would have no hope of paying for a medivac. But because of supporters in other countries providing funds, the costs of this flight is paid for. For me I am reminded that MAF is the Lord’s organisation and we can’t allow circumstances or pressure to overwhelm us. He has sustained MAF PNG for almost sixty years now and continues to do so and use MAF with what resources He has provided. In this example saving Diana’s life. Please pray for Diana and for healing.
Original story from Mike Bottrell. Rewritten and added to by Matt. Photos by Frank Higham.
July 14th, 2011 at 1:03 am
Hi Matt,
I’m writing from MAF-US headquarters in Nampa. Could you possibly email me a high res .jpg of the photo of Diana and her dad? And can you please connect me with Frank so as to get his permission to use the photo?
Thanks so much! And congrats on your engagement!!
Jenn
Resource Coordinator
July 14th, 2011 at 8:02 am
Hi Jenn,
thankyou! Will try to get you connected as soon as I can.
Thanks,
Matt