The ATSB is investigating a flight below lowest safe altitude involving Cessna 310R, VH-ZMB, 14 km west-north-west of Alice Springs Airport, Northern Territory, on 1 July 2024.
During the ILS approach, the pilot reported receiving false indications from the attitude indicator and directional gyro. The aircraft deviated from the published approach path and descended below lowest safe altitude. The pilot obtained an air traffic control clearance to track and recommence the approach.
The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.
Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.
To date, the ATSB investigation has included:
- reviewing flight data
- testing of aircraft components
- interviewing directly involved parties
- review of weather forecasts and observation
- collection other relevant information and recorded data
- training records
- operator operational procedures
- air traffic control procedures
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.