The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving Cessna 150L, VH-EYU, at Bacchus Marsh Airport, Victoria, on 22 October 2024.
Witnesses reported that shortly after taking-off and during initial climb, the aircraft descended and collided with terrain in a paddock adjacent to the airport. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
A team of ATSB transport safety investigators specialising in aircraft maintenance and operations was deployed to the accident site. The evidence collection phase of the investigation involves interviewing witnesses and involved parties, examination of maintenance and engineering records, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
The ATSB asks anyone who may have witnessed or has photos or video footage of the aircraft at any phase of the flight to make contact via the witness form on our website here at their earliest opportunity.