Investigation number
AO-2024-005
Occurrence date
Location
17 km north-west of Bourke Airport
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Preliminary
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Internal review
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence category
Collision with terrain
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal
Anticipated completion

The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving an Air Tractor 502, registered VH‑AQW, near Bourke, New South Wales, on 10 February 2024.

At around 0820 local, the Air Tractor was being used for the aerial application of herbicide. The aircraft collided with terrain on a property about 17 km west of Bourke airport. The pilot was fatally injured.

The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.

The 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.

Last Updated
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Air Tractor Inc
Model
AT-502
Registration
VH-AQW
Aircraft Operator
Ashby Aviation Pty Ltd
Serial number
502-0218
Operation type
Part 138 Aerial work operations
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Darling Farms, NSW
Destination
Darling Farms, NSW
Damage
Destroyed