What happened
During the City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks event, a Mallard aircraft, registered as VH-CQA, performed two low-altitude fly-bys along the Langley Park foreshore. Following these initial passes, the pilot attempted to manoeuvre the aircraft to execute a third pass. During this final positioning turn, the aircraft experienced a left roll and a nose-down pitch, leading to a collision with the water. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and a passenger, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the loss of control during the maneuver and the pilot's specific actions while attempting to return to the display area for the third pass. The scope of the analysis also included the circumstances surrounding the carriage of a passenger during the event. Furthermore, the investigation examined the regulatory framework governing the approval and oversight of air displays. To provide context, the analysis included benchmarking against international regulations, guidance, and practices regarding the management of air displays, noting that other nations often utilize dedicated organisations or extensive guidance to support display participants.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control during a positioning turn.
- The investigation highlighted safety issues related to the regulatory oversight and the management of air displays.
- The analysis identified the need to evaluate the frameworks used for approving and supervising such aerial demonstrations.