What happened
On 11 March 2020, a Cessman 404, registered VH-OZO, was performing a passenger charter service from Cairns to Lockhart River, Queensland, under instrument flight rules. The flight, operated by Air Connect Australia, carried the pilot and four passengers.
Weather conditions at the destination included rain and cloud cover, which had lowered visibility. During the initial descent, the pilot utilized the airport's automated weather information system to monitor conditions before beginning an RNAV GNSS approach to runway 30. While following a 3-degree descent profile, the aircraft descended through the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 730 feet and passed the missed approach point. At an altitude of approximately 400 feet, the pilot initiated a missed approach procedure.
Following the missed approach, a second RNAV GNSS approach to runway 30 was attempted. During this second attempt, the pilot began descending from 3,500 feet roughly 2.7 NM before the intermediate fix. Although the descent followed a standard 3-degree path, the aircraft was positioned approximately 1,000 feet below the recommended descent profile. The aircraft continued to descend below the MDA and eventually struck terrain 6.4 km short of the runway. The accident resulted in five fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying significantly below the recommended descent profile during the second approach.
- The descent continued below the established minimum descent altitude (MDA) before the collision occurred.