No fatalities

Aircraft crash on Mt Sorrell during approach to Queenstown (VH-KIB)

Queenstown, AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 30, 1979, a Cessna 402 (registration VH-KIB) operated by Business Jets (BizJets) - Australias Jet Charter Airline was involved in an aviation accident near Queenstown, Australia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted a go-around while flying in clouds, leading to a collision with trees on Mt Sorrell. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into trees on Mt Sorrell after encountering clouds during its approach to Queenstown.

What happened

During an approach toward Queenstown, a twin engine airplane entered a cloud layer, which obscured the pilot's visibility. In response to the loss of visual reference, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver. During this phase of flight, the aircraft collided with dead trees located on Mt Sorrell, resulting in a crash.

The impact caused significant damage to the airframe, rendering the aircraft a total loss. Despite the severity of the collision, all three occupants survived the event. The crew and passengers sustained slight injuries but were successfully evacuated from the site.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a go-around while flying in clouds, leading to a collision with trees on Mt Sorrell.