The ATSB has released its preliminary report from its on-going investigation into a collision with terrain involving a Cessna 172 during mustering at Mulgathing Station in central South Australia.
The preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase. It does not contain analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the final report to be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
The single-engine Cessna was being used for sheep spotting operations, flown by a solo pilot, on 27 June 2024.
At about 0810 local time, a witness on a motorbike about 500 m away observed the aircraft dive down on what they presumed was a mob of sheep, to an altitude of about 50 ft above the ground, before climbing rapidly, turning to the left and then nosediving towards the ground.
The pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
ATSB investigators deployed to the site and found the aircraft impacted in about a 70° pitch down attitude, with ground impact marks directly under the nose showing no forward momentum.
“Investigators did not identify any pre-existing faults or pre-impact defects with the aircraft’s flight controls and structure,” Director Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said.
“Additionally, one of the propeller blades showed significant rotational abrasion damage and chord-wise twisting indicating that the engine was driving the propeller under significant power at the time of impact.”
Along with an on-site examination of the wreckage, to-date ATSB investigators have interviewed witnesses and gathered electronic devices from the accident site.
As the investigation progresses, it will include consideration of witness information, and examination of a GPS device recovered from the site, the aircraft’s maintenance history, aircraft weight and balance, performance considerations, meteorological conditions, the impact sequence and survivability.
“Investigators will also consider the conduct of similar flight operations, pilot qualifications and the regulatory requirements for fixed-wing aerial mustering,” Ms Hughes said.
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.”
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.