The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has concluded that it was possible the pilot of a Yak 52 had been conducting low-level aerobatics moments before the aircraft crashed into the sea off Stradbroke Island.
VH-PAE was being flown on a private aerobatic flight from Southport in June 2019 when it struck the water. Both the pilot and the passenger died in the crash.
According to the ATSB investigation report released today, the pilot may have been flying aerobatics below 500 feet without a proper endorsement.
“The ATSB’s investigation established that prior to the accident the pilot had conducted a number of aerobatic manoeuvres below 500 feet above ground level,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley said.
“While the absence of recorded data for the last phase of flight or witnesses to the accident meant we could not determine with certainty that the pilot was conducting an aerobatic manoeuvre immediately prior to the aircraft’s impact with the water, the ATSB considered it a possibility.”
In supporting their findings, the ATSB said that Airservices radar data showed that PAE's track and speed fluctuated significantly in a pattern they considered consistent with aerobatics. Witnesses also reported seeing the aircraft manoeuvring below the treeline. The ATSB also found that the pilot had done low-level aerobatics on previous flights.
“This accident highlights the inherent risks associated with performing low-level aerobatics where there is a reduced safety margin for recovery,” Godley said.
“Even more so, it demonstrates the importance of being suitably-trained and qualified to conduct these operations.”
The investigation noted that people with aviation experience and knowledge had witnessed the pilot undertake previous low-level aerobatic flights and although had taken up the issue with the pilot, had not made formal reports.
The ATSB also found that the Yak had fatigue cracks in the elevator bellcrank, but do not believe they contributed to the accident.
The full report is on the ATSB website.