Latest news with #Cloncurry
ABC News
2 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Hypoxia is rare, but it's been behind several fatal plane crashes in Australia
Blue lips, slurred speech, euphoria, confusion — these are just some of the warning signs of hypoxia, a lack of oxygen in the body, which can be deadly in the air. It's rare, but hypoxia has been behind several fatal plane crashes in Australia. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which investigates aircraft incidents, recently found that a 2023 triple-fatal crash near Cloncurry was "entirely preventable" and that the pilot likely suffered hypoxia caused by a well-known, long-standing defect. Respiratory specialist Dr Ian Yang says, put simply, it's low oxygen in the body and brain. Dr Yang says common symptoms include confusion, rapid breathing, a racing heart and a false sense of calm. "A lot of our patients living with moderate to severe conditions like COPD (lung disease) will have low oxygen but it's very rare in the general community," he says. "If someone comes to us with moderate to severe lung conditions we test in our laboratory to test what their oxygen levels are, if it drops too low we'll recommend they need oxygen on the plane." Aviation doctor and pilot Dr Hui Tan says hypoxia can start silently above 10,000 feet, if cabin pressure drops and oxygen systems fail. "Pilots might feel fine, then suddenly can't function," he says. Dr Tan says some have reported tingling ears, nausea, or warmth before losing awareness. The ATSB has investigated seven major hypoxia-related incidents since the late 90s, from a 2000 crash that killed all onboard, to a 2020 case where a pilot passed out mid-flight. In many cases, pressure systems failed or oxygen masks weren't working. Yes, with training and awareness. Some pilots, particularly those in the military, undergo hypoxia simulation training to learn to spot the symptoms early. Dr Tan operates a specialised hypoxia chamber in Western Australia to help pilots experience and recognise the signs of low oxygen in a safe way. He himself has experienced it first-hand. "I was quite taken aback by the symptoms, it was similar to being under the influence where you have the light-headedness and I was convinced if I experienced that again in an aircraft I'd know what those symptoms were and I could do something about it," he says. "That's why we offer the training we do, so pilots can experience these symptoms first-hand in our enclosure and, if something happens in future, recognise the same hypoxia symptoms and put their oxygen mask on before they start troubleshooting. "Where people get in trouble is where they don't recognise the symptoms. "I set this up to give pilots awareness and if I save one life from hypoxia then this training has been worth it." In-flight? Immediate oxygen and descent. Air traffic controllers are also trained to spot signs including slurred pilot speech and can direct aircraft to descend quickly to safer altitudes. Dr Yang says on the ground, treatment depends on the cause, but in aviation, it is all about quick recognition and fast action. "The treatment for those with underlying conditions like COPD can include inhalers or exercise, and in serious cases oxygen," he says. "In aviation the treatment for patients with low oxygen is oxygen on the plane." The fatal 2023 crash is subject to an open coronial investigation. In a statement, a CASA spokesperson says the Cloncurry incident highlights the importance of being aware of the risk of hypoxia. "We note the ATSB's report and are considering the findings," the spokesperson says.
ABC News
3 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Final report into fatal outback plane crash blames pressure issue for lack of oxygen, finds operator AGAIR was aware
A pressurisation defect that deprived the pilot of oxygen resulted in a fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of three people in outback Queensland in 2023, a transport safety investigation has found. The Gulfstream 695A aircraft took off from Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, on November 4, 2023 and was on its way to photograph fire zones north of Mount Isa. But the plane crashed about 55 kilometres south-east of Cloncurry in open bushland and burned up after impact. On board were a pilot and two camera operators, including 22-year-old William Jennings from the United States, all of whom died in the crash. The flight was operated by operated by Victorian company AGAIR. In its final report, released this morning, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found the pilot was experiencing hypoxia when the crash occurred. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the "aircraft's pressurisation system was not reliably maintaining the required cabin altitude", which had been in issue for "many months". "This led some company pilots to employ a variety of actions in the aircraft to manage the potential and deadly effects of hypoxia, including at times briefly descending to lower altitudes, and improperly using emergency oxygen systems," he said. On the day of the accident, the pilot had descended from 28,000 feet to 15,000 feet for about six minutes before climbing back up to 28,000 ft, he said. "Later, while the aircraft was ... nearing Cloncurry at 28,000 ft, both power levers were probably reduced, possibly with the intention of undertaking a similar descent," the ATSB report found. "This caused the aircraft's speed to decay, before it ultimately entered a steep, descending, anticlockwise turn. Mr Mitchell said it was almost certainly due to pilot control inputs made in an unsuccessful attempt to regain control. "The ATSB found the onset of hypoxia during the flight significantly degraded the pilot's ability to safely operate the aircraft, and it is possible that at stages the pilot also experienced some loss of consciousness," he said. The ATSB said the pressurisation defect in the plane was known to senior AGAIR management, who attempted to have it rectified. "However, they did not formally record the defect, communicate it to the safety manager, undertake a formal risk assessment of it, or provide explicit procedures to pilots for managing it," Mr Mitchell said. An online fundraiser to bring Mr Jennings home received over $92,625 US in donations — about $142,000 AUD. In the fundraiser, his family said William was "a bright light extinguished too soon". "William was a 22-year-old promising mechanical engineer who recently graduated from Northeastern University," his family said. "He had an exciting life ahead of him, but tragically lost his life in a plane accident while surveying fires in Australia. "William was known to bring light to any room he walked into, and his sense of humour was infectious. "He was an avid hiker and lover of nature, always seeking new adventures in life." The other two people on board the aircraft are yet to be publicly identified.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Koby Falks, gay Australian adult film star, dies at 42
Koby Falks — a gay Australian adult film star legally named Anthony Cox — has reportedly died at age 42 according to social media posts from his real-life partner and fellow adult content creator Sam Brownell, and a statement from the public relations agency that represented Falks's career. Sign up for the to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment — delivered three times a week straight (well…) to your inbox! Falks was born in Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia on September 7, 1982, as noted in his official bios on IMDb and IAFD. Despite only being active for three years in the adult film industry, Falks was credited in as many as 76 projects during that period — all of which were released through RawFuckClub or independently through the performer's OnlyFans page. The first confirmation of Falks's passing was posted on his official Instagram page — followed by 126,000 fans — on Sunday, June 1. The caption read: "Koby Falks, better known to his family and friends as Anthony Cox, passed away earlier this week. He was loved by many and will be this post has affected you, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14." During his three years working as a gay adult film star, the vast majority of scenes featuring Falks had him paired up with his real-life partner, Sam Brownell. Brownell confirmed that his partner of many years had died by sharing a short message via Instagram story, which read: "I will love you always." Instagram (@sambrownellxcvi) Sam Brownell shares Instagram story mourning the loss of his real-life partner, Koby Falks. Matthew Leigh, founder of the Melbourne-based PR firm (Mista PR) that Falks was signed to, shared an emotional Instagram post that read: "Though our time working together was brief, the impact Koby had was anything but small. From the moment we connected, I was struck by his warmth, his charisma, and his incredible professionalism. He was organized, kind-hearted, and deeply respectful — the kind of person you instantly felt grateful to work was an honor to represent his remarkable body of work and to witness firsthand the power of his presence, both on and off ability to connect with people, not just here in Australia but across the world, was something truly special. Koby wasn't just a client — he was a light, a creative force, and a genuinely beautiful did I imagine I would be writing such a post, especially for someone I had the privilege of I sincerely hope I never have to Koby's family, his close friends, and his extended 'family' of fans and followers — my deepest condolences. We have lost a trailblazing creative spirit far too I truly believe his light and legacy will continue shining brightly peacefully, Koby. You will be missed, always." The Mista PR founder also included hashtags like #MentalHealthMatters, #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay, and #CheckInOnYourFriends. Beyond social media, Mista PR updated Falks's page on the agency's official website. The statement read: "In Loving Memory of Koby FalksIt is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Koby Falks, a cherished talent and dear friend. Koby's creativity, passion, and professionalism left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to work with honor his memory and the incredible contributions he made to the industry and to our team. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for are not alone." Out has reached out to Koby Falks's PR team for comment. His partner, Sam Brownell, has also been contacted. This story is still developing…
