A year on from a helicopter crash that killed four Australian Defence Force members, loved ones are still questioning how a training drill turned into tragedy.
But for friends and family of four airmen killed in a defence force helicopter crash, the Whitsundays is a painful reminder of what they've lost.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Warrant Officer Class 2 Phillip Laycock and Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent had been participating in exercises all week.An army pilot has described a "daunting" near miss in a Taipan helicopter, three years before four men died in the same aircraft off the Queensland coast.It was something that was proving difficult to do, when trying to sleep in a hot tent, while the rest of the company is awake.
Family members and partners of the men took the stand, giving devastating recounts of final moments and text messages shared before their deaths. Family members and the partner of Maxwell Nugent said they remember him for his stubborn grit, resilience and wicked sense of humour.A plaque reads "Always in our hearts. Lieutenant Max Nugent – 28th July 2023. Pilot of 'Bushman 83' – 6th Aviation Regiment. Fly high Max".
"He was an excellent cook, and prepared the family's Christmas dinner on a number of occasions, with the same meticulous precision he brought to his work – he would shoo us out of the kitchen if we threatened to interfere," the statement from Joseph and Dianne Laycock said.
Defence Forces Qld Queensland Australian Defence Force Captain Danniel Lyon Corporal Alexander Naggs Warrant Officer Class 2 Phillip Laycock Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent Talisman Sabre
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Defence Force troops hit the Kimberley for largest WA training exercise in decadesAround 400 Australian Defence Force personnel have taken part in Operation Austral Shield, simulating an attack on the region by a theoretical enemy.
Read more »
Accused Russian spy Kira Korolev starred in Australian Defence Force recruitment videos7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Accused Russian spy Kira Korolev starred in Australian Defence Force recruitment videos7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Former Australian Defence Force employee charged with historic child sexual abuse, extradited to the ACTPolice allege the 79-year-old man sexually assaulted a female relative who was a teenager between 1988 and 1993.
Read more »
Army private in Australian Defence Force and her husband are accused of spying for Russians7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Australian Defence Force to be equipped with kamikaze dronesThe deadly small weapon can be carried in a backpack and launched on the battlefield.
Read more »