On June 29, 2019, a Cessna Aircraft Company 208 (registration VH-ZWH) operated by Sydney Seaplanes was involved in an aviation accident near Berowra Waters, New South Wales. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not see the boat prior to the collision due to a combination of factors including weather conditions, the boat's color, size, lack of movement, and its location in the aircraft's direct path. This summary draws on records from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A collision between an aircraft and a boat occurred after the pilot failed to see the boat due to weather conditions and the boat's color, size, lack of movement, and position. The boat operator's action of starting the engine likely reduced risk.
Incident Description
An aircraft collided with a boat. The pilot had not seen the boat prior to the collision.
Factors Leading to the Collision
A combination of factors prevented the pilot from seeing the boat. These included the weather conditions on the day of the incident, as well as the boat's color, size, lack of movement, and its location directly in the aircraft's path. The boat's color blended into the surrounding environment, making it less conspicuous.
Effect of Boat Operator's Action
The boat operator started the engine and attempted to maneuver the boat out of the aircraft's direct path. This action likely reduced the risk to the boat occupants because it altered the angle at which the aircraft struck the boat.
Probable cause
The pilot did not see the boat prior to the collision due to a combination of factors including weather conditions, the boat's color, size, lack of movement, and its location in the aircraft's direct path.
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