Accident Details
On 18 April 2022, the pilot of a Cessna 172 aircraft, registered VH-REU, was conducting a private flight at Coonabarabran Aerodrome, New South Wales. After completing several circuits and touch-and-go landings, the pilot flew a low pass at 15–25 ft above the ground over a tractor that was being used to slash a field adjacent to the aerodrome. During the low pass, the aircraft contacted powerlines over the field and impacted terrain. The pilot received fatal injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found no pre-impact defects with the aircraft structure, flight controls, or engine. Witnesses reported the aircraft was operating normally on the day of the accident. Although low-level operations are normal near an airfield during takeoff and landing, the aircraft's flight path just prior to the collision did not align with the runways and was not consistent with any part of a normal circuit pattern. The ATSB determined it was very likely that the pilot was conducting an intentional low-level pass over the tractor. The pilot was familiar with the aerodrome and was reported to be aware of the location of the powerlines. The pilot did not hold a low-level rating and therefore had not undertaken the required training and assessment for operating below 500 ft.
Low-Level Flight and Powerline Strike
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact defects. Witnesses observed the aircraft operating normally except for the abnormal flight path. The aircraft was seen flying straight and level at about 70 ft above the tractor before descending. The height of the powerlines was approximately 21–31 ft, and the aircraft was at about 15–25 ft above ground at the time of impact. No apparent operational reason existed for flying at such a low height other than to intentionally overfly the tractor and its driver. The pilot had discussed the location of the powerlines the day prior, but awareness does not guarantee avoidance. The powerlines were not required to be fitted with markers and were difficult to see from the air.
Upper Torso Restraint Not Worn
The pilot was wearing only the lap portion of the seatbelt and not the sash-type upper torso restraint. Research indicates that wearing only a lap belt increases the risk of serious or fatal injury. However, in this case, the significant right yaw at impact may have limited the effectiveness of the upper torso restraint, so it could not be determined with certainty whether wearing it would have reduced injury severity.
Post-Accident Actions
Based on a risk assessment by the electricity provider, aerial safety markers were fitted to the powerlines in the field adjacent to the aerodrome where the aircraft contacted the powerlines.