What happened
On 15 January 2025, a pilot operating under a Private Pilot Licence commenced a flight from Bankstown Airport under a special visual flight rules (VFR) approval. Although the flight was authorized, the actual weather conditions at the time of departure were characterized by overcast low cloud, which was less favorable than the forecast used during the pre-flight briefing. Shortly after exiting the Bankstown Airport control zone, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During this period of flight within the cloud, the aircraft was at an altitude below the lowest safe altitude, and another aircraft operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) climbed through the same altitude in close proximity.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pre-flight briefing and the authorization process for the special VFR departure. It was found that the supervising instructor relied on an amended terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) that predicted improving conditions, rather than reviewing the most recent local weather observations or the Bankstown Airport automatic terminal information service (AT-IS). Because the instructor believed that a tower would not clear a VFR flight if the airspace was not in VMC, they did not anticipate the pilot would request a special VFR departure. Consequently, the risks associated with low cloud bases and the lack of margin for maintaining required altitudes over populated areas were not adequately addressed.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's motivations. The pilot was facing the expiration of a 30-day recency period and sought to complete the flight to avoid the expenses of a dual check flight. This created self-imposed pressure to proceed despite the weather.
Findings
- The instructor and pilot failed to properly consider prevailing weather observations, which would have indicated that a visual flight was not possible until conditions improved.
- The pilot utilized special VFR to depart despite extensive low cloud, which led to the inadvertent entry into IMC.
- The flight into cloud created significant risks, including spatial disorientation, collision with terrain while below the lowest safe altitude, and a potential collision with an IFR aircraft.
- Financial pressures related to flight training costs and maintaining currency likely influenced the decision to fly.
- The pilot's prior instrument training was a critical factor that enabled a safe return to visual conditions.