The ATSB has published its preliminary report into a fatal accident involving a Cessna 150 at Bacchus Marsh airfield, west of Melbourne.
On the morning of 22 October 2024, the pilot of the Cessna 150L single piston-engine light aircraft began a take-off roll on Bacchus Marsh runway 27, but rejected the take-off.
Four minutes later, after returning to the runway threshold, the pilot began a second take-off roll.
“Several witnesses at the airfield then observed the aircraft pitching steeply up during its initial climb,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
“Witnesses then report the aircraft’s left wing dropping rapidly, as it entered a vertical descent, rotating approximately 270° before colliding with terrain about 205 m south of the runway centreline.”
The ATSB’s 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 investigation’s final report.
The preliminary report notes the wreckage was consistent with a steep nose down attitude during impact.
“ATSB examination found no evidence of pre-impact defects with the flight controls or structure, and the engine was able to be rotated with no obvious defects upon external examination,” Mr Mitchell reported.
The throttle setting was found to be at idle position (low power), and rotational damage signatures to the propeller were minimal, indicating a low engine power setting at the time of the impact.
The preliminary report also notes witnesses described strong and gusty wind at the time of the accident.
“Weather conditions will be part of the ongoing analysis as we progress through the investigation,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The investigation will also include further review of the pilot’s experience, qualifications and training, the aircraft’s maintenance history, and all available CCTV and mobile phone footage.”
A 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 notify relevant parties immediately, so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken,” Mr Mitchell concluded.
You can find here the preliminary report: Loss of control and collision with terrain involving Cessna 150L, VH-EYU, Bacchus Marsh Airport, Victoria, on 22 October 2024
