Accident Overview
On May 30, 2017, at approximately 1630 Australian Central Standard Time, a Cessna 441 aircraft equipped with Garrett TPE331 series turboprop engines and bearing registration VH-XMJ, collided with terrain shortly after taking off from Renmark Aerodrome in Renmark, South Australia. The three crew members aboard sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 441, a twin-engine turboprop business aircraft. The registration, VH-XMJ, was assigned to the airplane. The operator of the aircraft has not been explicitly named in the preliminary reports.
Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is conducting the investigation into the accident. As the country of manufacture for both the airframe and engines, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has designated a U.S. accredited representative to assist the ATSB in its inquiry. All requests for information regarding the accident should be directed to the ATSB.
Circumstances
According to the ATSB, the accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Renmark Aerodrome. The specific flight purpose or destination has not been released. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were not detailed in the initial report.
Aftermath
The accident scene was secured by local authorities, and the ATSB commenced an on-site investigation. The substantial damage to the aircraft and the fatal injuries to the crew were confirmed in the initial notification. Further details are pending the completion of the ATSB investigation.