What happened
On a clear night, a sequence of five company aircraft departed the Tangaloable Resort airstrip at two-minute intervals. The third aircraft in this formation, an unspecified aircraft type, departed at 2105 EST and climbed to 3,000 ft while en route to Coolangatta. During the cruise phase, the pilot descended to 2,000 ft to maintain separation from the following aircraft. At 2127 EST, the pilot notified Coolangatta Approach Control of an emergency, though the specific nature of the issue was not disclosed. Air traffic controllers initiated emergency protocols after observing the aircraft losing altitude on radar.
Following the passage of the Southport seaway, the right engine experienced a surge and a subsequent yaw. The pilot attempted to rectify the issue by toggling the electric fuel pump. After a brief period of stability, the engine surged again, prompting the pilot to shut it down and feather the propeller. While attempting to fly on the left engine, the pilot rerouted the fuel supply to the right main tank. After passing Burleigh Heads, the left engine also failed to respond to throttle inputs.
As the aircraft lost altitude, the pilot identified a beach as a suitable site for a forced landing. While attempting the approach near the Currumbin Lifesavers Clubhouse, the right wing impacted a rocky outcrop, causing the aircraft to crash into the ocean. The impact caused the wing to separate from the fuselage. Of the 10 people on board, the pilot and several passengers managed to escape the partially submerged wreckage, while others were assisted by bystanders.
Findings
- The right engine experienced surging and was eventually shut down by the pilot.
- Simultaneous failure of the left engine occurred during the emergency descent.
- The aircraft struck a rocky outcrop during the final stages of the forced landing attempt.