Those night time phone calls

[towerguy]

sitting here at the keyboard because I just don't know what to do with myself. My wife and I have been up all night since the phone went just after midnight.
"ZK-EAP is overdue" said the voice on the other end of the line.
My son and another instructor friend were out doing some hour building, night flying IFR NZAA-NZPM-NZAP-NZAA. The last radar plot was about 15nm south of Taupo.
I pulled up flightradar24 and plotted the last position and altitude and it looks like its below the ridges in the Kaimanawas. Not good.
No further word and now well past the fuel limit. Phillips33 has done an electronic sweep and there maybe a weak signal in the area. Unfortunately low cloud in the hills prevented getting a
chopper in there but they will have a go at first light which is not far away now.
We are sitting drinking about the fifth gallon of tea and scrambling every time the phone or computer makes a sound.

F#ck I hate the phone ringing at night!!!!!!!!!!
sorry just punching keys to keep busy.

[cowpatz]

That is the worse possible phone call anyone could receive at anytime of the day.
Sincerely wishing you and your wife all the best for a positive outcome for your son and his colleague.

[NZ255]

I am so sorry to hear what's happened. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Nick

[Splitpin]

Can't even begin to imagine how your feeling ...I'm so sorry, take care.

[dbcunnz]

My condolences to you Craig your wife and family I know how hard it is to lose one of your children having lost my daughter 15 months go.

[deeknow]

I imagine the last thing you will be wanting to do is visit nzff for the next wee while mate. Condolences to you guys. We all feel terrible for you and for most of us impossible to know how you feel. Big virtual hugs regardless.

[cowpatz]

My sincerest condolences to you and your wife Craig. Words just seem so inadequate at times like this but be assured that we are all thinking of you.

[chopper_nut]

Jesus Craig, really sorry to hear that mate. Everything that I was going to say has already been said. Stay strong.

[Bluebird]

Sorry to here this Craig our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Todd

[hoki1185]

Its hard to know what to say at these moments.My condolences.Ian.

[towerguy]

Thanks all for the messages
Unfortunately as you've probably all seen in the media the outcome has been the worst possible and my lovely boy is with us no longer - along with his good friend and work colleague. Two families are grieving along with a lot of other families in our country.
The word devastation does not even begin to describe the feeling knowing our boy is gone.
What happened and why will no doubt be bandied about in all sorts of forums - I have a theory taking shape myself. Please take it all with a grain of salt as after 40+ years I have yet to read a true and accurate media report regarding aviation.
Right now I cannot even stand to look at an aircraft and flightsimming right now may be something I never return to.I want to thank all the friends I have made here over the years but for now it is adieu. Maybe one day I will be back but until then ...

Towerguy .... out.