Introduction
A midair collision occurred at Caloundra Airport when a Pawnee on final approach to runway 06 and a Jabiru taking off from intersecting runway 11 collided. The impact resulted in the Jabiru crashing and the Pawnee landing safely.
Sequence of Events
The Pawnee was on final approach to land on runway 06. At the same time, a Jabiru pilot commenced a take-off on intersecting runway 11. Additionally, a Cessna taxied across runway 06 in front of the Pawnee, prompting the Pawnee pilot to initiate a go-around to avoid a potential collision with the Cessna.
During the go-around, the leading edge of the Pawnee’s left wing struck the trailing edge of the Jabiru’s right wing. The Jabiru’s aileron and a section of outer wing separated as a result. The Jabiru subsequently collided with terrain. That impact was not survivable, and the pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The Pawnee remained controllable and landed safely shortly after the collision.
Pilot Awareness
The Jabiru pilot’s decision to take off as the Pawnee was on final approach indicated that the Jabiru pilot was either not aware of the Pawnee when commencing take-off or had some awareness but elected to take off anyway. Trees between the intersecting runways meant the Pawnee would not have been visible from the Jabiru for a significant part of the sequence of events, including the period leading up to the commencement of the take-off. The Jabiru pilot may have had an opportunity to see or hear the Pawnee during preparation for flight or taxi. However, even if the Jabiru pilot had a general awareness of the Pawnee, it would have been difficult to accurately project its flight path. The Jabiru pilot’s level of situation awareness was highly dependent on whether they heard the Pawnee pilot’s radio calls.
Radio Communications
The Pawnee pilot made at least 4 radio calls indicating their position in the circuit for runway 06. The Pawnee pilot’s account, witness statements, and CTAF recordings from Caloundra Airport were consistent in determining these calls. No radio calls from the Jabiru were recorded, but this was expected given the absence of other recordings from any aircraft on the ground. Most witnesses, including the Pawnee pilot, did not hear any calls from the Jabiru. The Jabiru pilot was reportedly diligent in making radio calls, and a pilot with their experience would know the recommended calls. Technical examination of the Jabiru’s radio found the device probably functional, but it was not possible to determine the radio’s volume or settings, or the functionality of other components like the headset, cables, and antenna.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in fatal injuries to the Jabiru pilot and passenger. The Pawnee landed safely. The investigation considered undetermined human factors that may have affected the Jabiru pilot’s receipt and interpretation of radio calls, such as distraction, but could not establish a definitive cause.