In brief
Australian aviation company Skytraders performed a daring rescue from McMurdo Station in Antarctica, the first July medical evacuation completed in total darkness. The Airbus A319, nicknamed Snowbird 1, landed in -43 °C winds, transported a patient to Christchurch, and the recovery is progressing well. Accounted for extensive pre‑flight configuration, weather delays, and a 3‑km runway groomed in extreme cold, this mission showcases the skill and precision required for Antarctic operations.
An Australian aviation crew has carried out a daring midwinter mission to rescue a US expedition member from McMurdo Station in Antarctica under extreme cold and darkness.
Skytraders confirmed the mission was “extraordinary” after receiving an urgent medical evacuation request from the US Antarctic Program via the Australian Antarctic Division.
The Airbus A319, codenamed Snowbird 1, managed to land on the compacted snow runway at Ross Island in temperatures of -43 °C (-45.4 °F) after an initial weather‑related delay.
The patient was safely loaded onto the aircraft for a transfer to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he is presently recovering well.
Captain Louise Robertson, one of four pilots on the flight, said it was the first evacuation of its kind in July and it was carried out entirely in darkness.
Her husband, Rod Robertson, piloted the aircraft to the US research station, with the captain in the right seat.
The plane required a 24‑hour configuration by engineers who fitted a stretcher inside the cabin; a subsequent 12‑hour wait for suitable weather followed.
A snowstorm had initially blocked the runway, requiring a six‑hour grading and grooming operation by ground crew under -45 °C conditions and strong winds.
The crew spent exactly one hour on the ground at Phoenix Airfield before taking off for Christchurch.
Captain Al Wallach highlighted the specialist expertise of pilots, meteorologists, operational planners, runway teams and medical personnel in ensuring the mission’s success.
Emma Campbell, head of the Australian Antarctic Division, praised the operation as a testament to the capability of our people and the partnerships that underpin Antarctic programmes worldwide.
Skytraders previously executed a similar rescue in March 2020 when a US Antarctic Program member was evacuated from McMurdo at temperatures of -30 °C.
Helen Livingstone – Sydney
