The ATSB has commenced a transport safety investigation into an aircraft accident near Cloncurry on Saturday afternoon.
A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB’s Brisbane office with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance is preparing to deploy to the accident site.
Over the coming days, investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site including site mapping, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, which will detail factual information established during the investigation’s initial evidence collection phase, in approximately 6-8 weeks.
The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation.
However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.