The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has outlined the evidence gathered so far in its ongoing investigation of a fatal light aircraft accident in the Mackay region of Queensland in October.
On the morning of 28 October 2023, a SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad single-engine aircraft was destroyed when it collided with terrain near Finch Hatton, west of Mackay. The pilot and passenger on board were fatally injured.
The ATSB’s investigation has so far gathered a range of evidence, which is presented in a preliminary report to provide timely information to industry and public.
Analysis and findings are not included in the preliminary report, and will be detailed in the investigation’s final report.
ATSB investigators were not able to deploy to the accident site, due to its inaccessible location and extreme surrounding terrain, and degradation of the site itself.
However, detailed on-site photographs, provided by Queensland Police Service specialist forensic officers, have provided investigators an understanding of the accident site location and layout, and an appreciation of the level and type of damage to the aircraft’s structure and components.
“The photographs indicate the aircraft’s propeller was under a significant level of power when it impacted with terrain, indicating the engine was almost certainly operational at the time of the accident,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley said.
The evidence-gathering phase of the ATSB’s investigation has also included witness interviews, a review of flight data and air traffic control recordings, and an examination of the aircraft’s maintenance history.
“The accident flight was intended as a private flight from Montpellier aircraft landing area to Palmyra aircraft landing area,” Dr Godley detailed.
About 40 minutes into the flight, the pilot reportedly told a friend, via phone call, that they were at 5,500 ft and above cloud, and asked about weather conditions at Palmyra.
“The pilot stated they were passing Dalrymple Heights and on descent, and that their intentions were to fly along the Pioneer Valley to Palmyra.”
The aircraft’s OzRunways flight track showed, about 20 minutes after the phone call, the pilot made a right turn, followed by a left turn, before the aircraft collided with the northern side of Bull Mountain, at about 1,900 ft above sea level.
“As the investigation progresses, the ATSB will conduct a further review of recorded data and recovered components from the accident site, and will analyse available flight data,” Dr Godley said.
“The investigation will also include analysis of aircraft maintenance and repair information.”
A final report will be released once the investigation is complete.
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken,” Dr Godley concluded.
Read the preliminary report: Collision with terrain involving a SOCATA-Groupe Aerospatiale TB-20, VH-JTY, Eungella National Park, Queensland, on 28 October 2023