FNQ Yestayear Images - September 1994

Islands (PNG) took delivery of EMB110 P2-IAJ (ex VH-FCE), the first of three examples to be acquired, with P2-IAK and P2-IAL were noted in Hawkers hangar receiving attention following their delivery flight from Africa via Mahe, Cocos Islands and Broome.

On the morning of the 19th our northern neighbour PNG, suffered a catastrophic eruption of Mt. Tavurvur in the East New Britain provincial centre of Rabaul.  In the ensuing hours, the town was devestated and the airfield at Lakunai destroyed by the massive ash output. Several aircraft were unable to escape, either under maintenance or crew shortage.  On the other side of the Simpson Harbour, the emergency strip at Tokua was put into service.  The images were kindly supplied by JR Leahy, Tony Skelton and Charles Perry in the following days.

Rabaul terminal, note aircraft covered in ash on the ramp. Passenger lounge roof collapse. Tavurvur still erupting some days later. Tokua strip as it was pressed into service as soon as practical after the eruption. RAAF and RNZAF C-130's arr with emergency supplies.

Thanks to GAFLIKS for providing this Yestayear report.

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