16/10/2026
Remembering our fallen crew – 23 years on 💙
Today, we pause to honour the memory of three extraordinary men, Pilot Andy Carpenter, Crewman Stewart Eva and Paramedic Craig Liddington, who tragically lost their lives while serving our community.
On this day in 2003, their Bell 407 helicopter crashed into the sea near Cape Hillsborough while responding to a medical emergency on Hamilton Island. No mayday call was received, and despite extensive investigations, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
Each year, the BMA CQ Rescue team comes together at Turtle Point Lookout, Cape Hillsborough, walking to the memorial plaque to lay wreaths and pay tribute to their lives, service and sacrifice.
Their loss left an immeasurable impact on our organisation and the wider community, but their legacy has also helped shape the future of aeromedical rescue, contributing to vital safety advancements and the introduction of the twin-engine helicopters we fly today.
More than two decades on, we continue to honour Andy, Stewart and Craig through our commitment to the community and the mission of bringing people home safely. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Today and always, we remember them 💙
✴ BHP Queensland
