15 December 2022
The final brand new Pilatus PC-6 Porter aircraft was handed over to Indonesian operator Smart Aviation of Jakarta earlier this week but tragedy struck during the delivery flight earlier today.
Little is known of the accident so far, which happened just after take-off from Heraklion Airport, Crete during the ferry flight. The aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after a Mayday call was made citing mechanical failure, according to The National Herald, a newspaper in Greece, and other sources.
A video of the aircraft sinking and the pilot being rescued has been released by the Greek coastguard. A second man, thought to be the co-pilot, died.
The multi-role PC-6 Porter has been in production at Stans, Switzerland, home of Pilatus, since 1959. However sales have declined in recent years leading to Pilatus’s decision to end production. The manufacturer will continue spares and support for many years to come.
The single-engine Pilatus PC-6 Porter is famed for its ruggedness and short take-off and landing capabilities. It started life with an avgas burning piston engine but soon changed to moved to a turboshaft. In 1996 Pilatus switched to a Pratt & Whitney PT6 which proved to be its most successful configuration.
The PC-6 can carry a large load, often a mix of passengers and cargo, and is a favourite of operators heading into tough terrain. It can be configured with wheeled undercarriage, skis or floats making it hugely versatile.
