Investigation number
AE-2014-009
Occurrence date
Location
near Félix Eboué Airport, Cayenne, French Guiana
State
International
Report release date
Report status
Discontinued
Investigation level
Defined
Investigation type
External Investigation
Investigation status
Discontinued
Aviation occurrence type
Collision with terrain
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

Section 21 (2) of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (TSI Act) empowers the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to discontinue an investigation into a transport safety matter at any time. Section 21 (3) of the TSI Act requires the ATSB to publish a statement setting out the reasons for discontinuing an investigation.

On 6 January 2014 at 1808 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a GippsAero GA8 Airvan aircraft, registered F-ORPH, was destroyed when it collided with terrain shortly after take off from Félix Eboué Airport, Cayenne, French Guiana. The pilot had returned for maintenance due to an engine problem during an initial take off attempt. The collision occurred after the pilot declared a MAYDAY two minutes after a second take off. One occupant was seriously injured while the other suffered minor injuries.

As the accident occurred in an overseas department of France, the Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile (BEA) of France is responsible for investigating this accident. In accordance with international convention, the BEA notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as Australia is the State of Manufacture of the aircraft. In accordance with clause 5.18 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative to liaise with the BEA and initiated an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

Given the time since the accident took place and that the BEA has not requested any assistance from Australia, the ATSB has decided to discontinue its investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
GippsAero
Model
GA8 Airvan
Registration
F-ORPH
Serial number
04-050
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Félix Eboué Airport, Cayenne, French Guiana