Investigation number
197404592
Occurrence date
Location
Murray River near Waikerie
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

After take-off, the aircraft circled Moorook and then Kingston -on -Murray after which it headed In a
northerly direction until it was again over the Murray River. It then followed the river on a generally westerly
heading to Wigley Flat, a small settlement some 22 kilometres east of Waikerie, and, after circling at a low
height, continued along the river. As the aircraft followed a bend in the river and was turning to the right, the
pilot suddenly saw a power cable immediately ahead but there was insufficient time to take avoiding action before
the cable was struck. The aircraft crashed into the river below but the three occupants were able to open the
doors and leave the cabin before it sank in deep water.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-RBG
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Moorook
Departure time
1650
Destination
Waikerie
Damage
Destroyed