Page:Report of the Board of Inquiry into the Helderberg air disaster.djvu/48

Rh 1.12 Wreckage and Impact Information

1.12.1 The search for the bodies and wreckage was commenced on November 30th 1987 after a decision was made to abandon the search for survivors. Numerous ships, aircraft and helicopters took part ln the search. From December 2nd 1987 the search was concentrated on an accumulation of debris which was drifting in a westerly direction. Spotting was by aircraft crews who directed the ships to the floating wreckage. Helicopters were used to search the coral reefs for trapped wreckage. The search for floating wreckage continued in earnest untll December 10th 1987.

The floating wreckage consisted mainly of articles of light cargo, cabin panelling, cabin furnishing and escape slides or rafts. It was soon noticed that many of the retrieved articles had been subjected to heat or smoke. Several cargo articles carried in the main deck cargo compartment were burned and some panels in the passenger compartment adjoining the main deck cargo compartment were covered with soot. The cabin to main deck cargo compartment door showed signs of