What happened
Following takeoff, the engine failed in-flight, necessitating an immediate forced landing. The pilot initially attempted to return to the secondary runway at Old Station ALA, believing the maneuver was achievable. However, as the aircraft approached a deep gully at the runway threshold, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing.
The high rate of descent during the impact caused severe structural damage to the aircraft type/model (not specified, but registration VH-YGY was involved). The forces of the impact buckled the wing and fuselage structure, collapsed the landing gear, and detached the main landing gear axle, brake, and wheel assemblies. This impact also breached one or both wing fuel tanks, which significantly intensified a post-impact fire.
The investigation
The ATSB examined the wreckage of VH-YGY to identify the cause of the power loss. While there were conflicting accounts regarding whether the engine experienced a partial power loss before stopping completely, propeller damage indicated the engine had ceased functioning prior to impact.
Investigators looked into the fuel and engine systems, but the post-impact fire had destroyed or heavily damaged most components. While no overt defects were found in the surviving parts, the investigation noted that the fuel pressure regulator had been replaced only three days before the accident. However, because the regulator and its remnants were likely destroyed by the fire, investigators could not determine if a defect or improper installation was responsible. The aircraft had a known history of being difficult to start, though it was unclear if this affected the flight on the day of the accident.
Findings
- An undetermined issue caused the engine to fail during flight.
- The impact forces from the forced landing caused the structural failure of the landing gear and the breaching of the wing fuel tanks.
- The pilot was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, which provide less flame resistance and coverage than long-sleeve shirts and trousers, though it was not confirmed if this influenced the severity of the injuries.