[Philip Argy]

Originally Posted by Grahame Hutchison

The ATSB report just in confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Garuda Boeing 747-200 that was attempting to land at what they thought was Sydney's new international airport at Badgery's Creek. Apparently they had misplaced the memo from the Whitlam Government, and when they saw the Qantas HS-125 on the ground, lined up with the bright lights at The Oaks, assuming they were the approach lighting and VASI.

Lucky for the passengers they were all able to walk away from the crash site and catch the 9.30am train from Cambeltown into the city, being greeted by the new State Premier as they boarded. Unfortunately they then had to get off the train at Regents Park because of unscheduled line works at Redfern. Passengers where transferred to a State Transit bus, however the driver made a wrong turn onto the M4 and they were last seen taking in the sights at Echo Point, Katoomba.

Garuda announced they are flying in a second Boeing 747-200 to Katoomba International to take the passengers to their final destination, which is TBA when they arrive.

A classic - let's see the media pick it up and run with it!