The ATSB has found that the Hamilton Island accident in which six people died was the result of a low altitude stall. The tragedy provides an important opportunity to highlight some dangers to flight safety including post-alcohol impairment, cannabis, and fatigue.
Today the ATSB is issuing a preliminary report of the investigation into the accident involving an Aero Commander 500-S, registered VH-LST.
The accident occurred on 19 February 2004, at about 1700 Eastern Summer Time (ESuT), approximately 58km NNW of Hobart Aerodrome.
ATSB analysis indicates no adverse safety trend since NAS stage 2b was introduced on 27 November 2003 based on the ATSB's preliminary review of its aviation safety occurrence database, including an examination of TCAS resolution advisory alerts.
The ATSB has found that the Bankstown midair collision accident was the result of a Piper Warrior passing through the extended centreline of runway 29 centre, to which the pilot had been cleared, and continuing on to the extended centreline of runway 29 left.
An ATSB interim factual investigation report has found that the airspace incident near Brisbane on 7 April involving a B737 and a Lancair aircraft was not an 'airprox' event.
A new ATSB research investigation report analyses the 37 midair collisions in Australia from 1961 to 2003. None involved scheduled passenger (RPT) aircraft and over three quarters involved general aviation aircraft that collided in good weather in or near the circuit area of an airport.
As of 20 May 2004, seafarers will be able to make their safety concerns known under a new AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT safety initiative.
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Thank you, Mr Chairman and good morning ladies and gentlemen.
A media conference presenting the ATSB's investigation findings and recommendations on the 26 September 2002 accident of Piper Cherokee Six registration VH-MAR in which the pilot and five passengers were fatally injured will be held at 11.00 am, Thursday 18 March 2004.
In releasing our final investigation report the ATSB's hope is that this tragic accident should be a reminder for all pilots of the dangers of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) especially during approach and landing in dark night conditions and at times of inclement weather with reduced visib
