Investigation number
199003111
Occurrence date
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Collision with terrain
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

CIRCUMSTANCES: "The Airtractor, VH-OMC, and an Ayres SR2 aircraft were operating in company. The spraying operation had been completed, and both aircraft were loaded with water in order to flush the hoppers and spray equipment during the return flight to St George. After departing the strip, the aircraft deposited the water onto a disused field and then headed for St George, flying at approximately 50 feet above ground level and about 30 metres apart. The pilot of the Ayres S2R saw VH-OMC, which was on his left, suddenly pull up into a climb. He then lost the aircraft from view but moments later saw a cloud of dust rising where it had impacted. Ground witnesses saw both aircraft flying level, approximately line abreast, when the Airtractor suddenly pulled up steeply, as if to make a turning manoeuvre at the end of a spray run. However, at the top of the pull up the aircraft became inverted and fell to the ground. An inspection of the wreckage revealed no mechanical defects which might have contributed to the accident. The engine was operating at impact."

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Air Tractor Inc
Model
AT-502
Registration
VH-OMC
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
ST GEORGE QLD 20SE
Destination
ST GEORGE QLD
Damage
Destroyed