ATSB publishes interim report into January seaplane crash – Australian Aviation

The ATSB says it’s specializing in a number of key components within the deadly crash of a floatplane off Rottnest Island earlier this 12 months because it releases an interim report.

Three individuals, together with the pilot, had been killed when the Cessna 208 Caravan, VH-WTY, hit the water throughout an tried take-off from Thomson Bay on 7 January. In response to the ATSB, survivability, the Cessna’s crashworthiness, and procedures and danger controls are all underneath the microscope.

The ATSB started its probe of the accident in January, with a preliminary report launched later the next month.

“Evaluation of the wreckage, witness statements, textual content messages, recorded onboard information and video footage has supplied a extra detailed understanding of the accident sequence,” stated ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell.

“Because of sturdy winds, the pilot had surveyed the operator’s regular take-off space in the course of Thomson Bay twice on the afternoon of the accident.

“Contemplating the circumstances to be unsuitable alongside the traditional southerly monitor, the pilot as an alternative opted for an easterly take-off, nearer to shore the place they perceived the swell was not as dangerous.”

After the six passengers had been conveyed by boat to the pontoon in Thomson Bay the place the plane was stationed, the pilot taxied the plane to the north-west earlier than turning and commencing the take-off to the east.

“The plane accelerated alongside the water in a robust crosswind and a lightweight tailwind, and because it handed Phillip Rock, it encountered sea swell and chop,” stated Mitchell.

With an indicated airspeed of 57 kt, the plane struck swell and have become airborne. Its nostril angle elevated considerably and, after reaching a most altitude of 16 ft, it rolled to the left.

The left wing impacted the water, adopted by the fuselage and the remainder of the plane, and the wreckage got here to relaxation on its nostril on the seafloor, partially submerged.

4 of the passengers had been in a position to exit the wreckage; two with severe accidents and one with minor accidents. The pilot and two remaining passengers had been fatally injured, nonetheless.

A pathologist’s report for the WA Coroner recognized the causes of loss of life as drowning for the pilot, and one passenger within the first row of seats. The reason for loss of life for the opposite passenger, within the second row, was drowning with head harm.

“The identification of things contributing to the survivability of the plane’s occupants is a vital space of focus,” stated Mitchell.

That is aligned with the ATSB’s ongoing SafetyWatch precedence of decreasing the severity of accidents in accidents involving small plane.

“Examination of the wreckage recognized the wings hinged backwards at influence, and the trailing edge of every wing penetrated the cabin within the space of the second row of passenger seating,” stated Mitchell.

“The investigation is contemplating the crashworthiness of the Cessna Caravan plane and the suitability of the producer and operator’s emergency tools and procedures for accidents involving immersion in water.”

The continuing investigation may even evaluation the pilot’s evaluation of circumstances on the day of the accident, together with the choice to conduct an eastwards take-off. The affect of the tailwind, crosswind and different environmental circumstances on the plane efficiency, and the plane dealing with in these circumstances, will likely be examined.

“Whereas the investigation is to grasp the position of the pilot’s actions and decision-making on the accident, the procedures and different danger controls utilized by Swan River Seaplanes for operations within the Thomson Bay space are additionally an space of focus,” stated Mitchell.

“The investigation may even take into account the operator’s identification and evaluation of Thomson Bay for floatplane operations, and its operational oversight practices.”

Additionally underneath examination is the Cessna Caravan’s stall warning system, noting passenger video didn’t seize any stall warning sounds in the course of the take-off run, and the stall warning circuit breaker was discovered within the disconnected place after the accident.

“Whereas the Cessna Caravan’s handbook instructs pilots to have all circuit breakers in earlier than commencing flight, skilled Caravan amphibian pilots have reported false alarms from the stall warning system throughout water take-offs, which might trigger a loud distraction and concern to passengers,” stated Mitchell.

“This has led to a reported follow inside the business of disconnecting the stall warning system circuit breaker previous to take-off, the implications of which the investigation will take into account.”

The interim report additionally accommodates data gathered into the plane’s upkeep historical past, prolonged intervals of inactivity, and return to service actions taken after the plane was leased by Swan River Seaplanes in late 2024.

Mitchell emphasised that the investigation was nonetheless underway.

“The areas of ongoing focus detailed in as we speak’s interim report shouldn’t be interpreted as probably findings within the investigation, given they’re nonetheless present process detailed evaluation,” he stated.

That evaluation, and the findings that they result in, will likely be detailed within the ATSB investigation’s closing report, at present anticipated for public launch within the second half of 2026.

“Till then, if any essential questions of safety are recognized, the ATSB will instantly notify related events so applicable and well timed security motion might be taken,” stated Mitchell.