Released: 26 December 2022
The following statement can be attributed to ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell:
“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced an investigation into a collision with terrain involving a foreign registered Glasair Super II aircraft near Appin, NSW which occurred shortly before 3.00pm on Monday.
“The aircraft came down in bushland in the vicinity of Appin Road, where on-site emergency services confirmed the two occupants on board were deceased.
"A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB's Canberra and Brisbane offices are deploying to the accident site to commence the on-site phase of the investigation.
"The initial ATSB safety investigation will include an examination of the wreckage, assessment of aircraft and pilot records, weather information and any available recorded data.
"The ATSB’s evidence collection will define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected timeframe for the completion of a final report.
“The ATSB asks anyone who may have seen the aircraft in any phase of its flight, or who may have footage of any kind, to please make contact via our website - www.atsb.gov.au/witness
"A report will be published at the completion of the investigation. However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties."
// Ends
NOTE: The ATSB will not be providing any further statements in relation to this accident until the release of the preliminary report in about 6 - 8 weeks time.
Background: The ATSB, Australia’s national transport safety investigator, conducts 'no blame' aviation, rail and marine transport safety investigations to help prevent the occurrence of similar future accidents.
The ATSB does not investigate for the purpose of taking administrative, regulatory or criminal action. Details on the ATSB’s investigation process can be found here: www.atsb.gov.au/about_atsb/investigation-process