4 fatalities

19 Feb 2020: PIPER PA44 180 — Mangalore, Australia

Mangalore, Australia

On 19 Feb 2020, a PIPER PA44 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Mangalore, Australia. 4 people were killed. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

On February 19, 2020, a Piper PA-44-180 (VH-JQF) and a Beech D95 (VH-AEM) collided in mid-air, then crashed into terrain and were destroyed. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries. The ATSB is investigating.

Accident Overview

On February 19, 2020, at 1128 local time, a Piper PA-44-180 airplane, registered VH-JQF, and a Beech D95 airplane, registered VH-AEM, were involved in a mid-air collision. Following the impact, both aircraft subsequently collided with terrain and were destroyed. The two occupants of the PA-44-180 and the two occupants of the Beech D95 sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is conducting the investigation into the accident. As the state of manufacture of the airplane and engines, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has designated a US accredited representative to assist the ATSB in its investigation.

Aircraft Information

The Piper PA-44-180, registration VH-JQF, is a twin-engine aircraft. The Beech D95, registration VH-AEM, is a twin-engine aircraft. Specific details about the aircrafts' operations or the circumstances leading to the collision have not been released as part of this initial report.

Update

All inquiries concerning this accident should be directed to the ATSB. Further information may be released as the investigation progresses.