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The ATSB has released a preliminary report from its on-going investigation into a fatal accident involving a Rockwell International 114 light aircraft near Redcliffe aerodrome, north of Brisbane, on 19 December 2021.
The report, which details factual information from the investigation’s early evidence collection phase, notes that the aircraft departed Redcliffe for a private scenic flight. On board were a pilot and three passengers.
“A number of witnesses located at the airport, in other aircraft, and on the water in boats, observed the accident aircraft take off and retract its landing gear,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Michael Walker said.
“A short time later, witnesses reported that the engine ran rough briefly before stopping completely.”
Another pilot reported hearing the pilot of the accident aircraft broadcast on the radio that they were returning to the aerodrome, and the aircraft was observed to make two left turns, consistent with manoeuvring back to the runway, and extend its landing gear.
“As the aircraft neared the mangrove tree line to the north of the aerodrome, it was observed to descend and ditch into the water of a tidal mud flat, about 170 m from the shoreline,” Dr Walker said.
“During the ditching, the aircraft flipped over, coming to rest inverted in about 2 m of water.”
The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured in the accident and the aircraft was destroyed.
To date, ATSB investigators have recovered and examined the aircraft wreckage, conducted witness interviews, disassembled and examined the engine, reviewed the aircraft’s maintenance history, and examined security camera footage from the aerodrome.
“As the investigation continues, the ATSB’s investigation will include a disassembly and examination of the aircraft’s propeller, testing engine components, analysis of data recorded from onboard systems, and further analysis of available footage,” Dr Walker said.
“Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.”
Last update 28 February 2022
