The fatal accident involving a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee highlights the risks of flying at night under the visual flight rules (VFR).
On 15 August 2011, the pilot was conducting a private flight transporting two passengers from Essendon to Nhill in Victoria under the VFR. The flight was arranged by the Angel Flight charity to return the passengers to their home after medical treatment in Melbourne.
Global Positioning System data recovered from the aircraft indicated that when about 52 km from Nhill, the aircraft conducted a series of manoeuvres followed by a descending right turn. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground at 1820 Eastern Standard Time, fatally injuring the pilot and one of the passengers. The second passenger later died in hospital as a result of complications from the injuries sustained in the accident.
A VFR flight in dark night conditions should only be conducted by pilots with high instrument flying proficiency as there is a significant risk of losing control if attempting to fly visually in such conditions.
The ATSB found that the pilot had landed at Bendigo and accessed a weather forecast before continuing towards Nhill. After recommencing the flight, the pilot probably encountered reduced visibility conditions approaching Nhill due to low cloud, rain and diminishing daylight. That likely led to disorientation, loss of control and impact with terrain. One of the passengers was probably not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
The ATSB also established that flights are permitted under the visual flight rules at night in conditions where there are no external visual cues for pilots. In addition, pilots conducting such operations are not required to maintain or periodically demonstrate their ability to maintain aircraft control with reference solely to flight instruments.
As a result of previous ATSB investigations the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has drafted new legislation, effective 4 December 2013, requiring a biennial review for night VFR‑rated pilots. CASA has also indicated that it will clarify what is meant by the term ‘visibility’ in dark night conditions, provide enhanced guidance on night VFR planning and other aspects of night VFR operations.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder for operators and pilots considering night VFR flights to assess the likelihood of dark night conditions by reviewing weather conditions, celestial illumination and available terrain lighting. A VFR flight in dark night conditions should only be conducted by pilots with high instrument flying proficiency as there is a significant risk of losing control if attempting to fly visually in such conditions.
The ATSB will soon release an educational booklet in its Avoidable Accidents series related to visual flight at night. The booklet will highlight risks associated with night VFR flight and discuss strategies for their management.
Read the report: VFR flight into dark night conditions and loss of control involving Piper PA-28-180, VH-POJ, 31 km north of Horsham Airport, Victoria, on 15 August 2011