Fokker F-27 Crash at Mackay: Unresolved Accident During Night Approach (VH-TFB)

Flight Details and Weather Conditions A Fokker F-27 was operating a regular passenger service from Brisbane (BNE) to Mackay (MKY), with intermediate stops at Maryborough (MBH) and Rockhampton (ROK). The aircraft departed Brisbane at 17:11, arrived at Maryborough at 17:52, and took off from Maryborough at 18:12 for Rockhampton, where it landed without incident one hour later. Prior to landing at Rockhampton, the crew received a special weather report indicating shallow ground fog at Mackay, with a height of 20 ft and visibility of 880 yd. The report also indicated that an alternate aerodrome would be required for the remainder of the flight. The aircraft departed Rockhampton at 19:52, with Townsville selected as the alternate. ## Approach and Initial Missed Landings At 20:17, the aircraft reported at Charon Point, 80 miles south of Mackay, at 13,000 ft, with an estimated arrival time of 20:40. The crew was advised that Mackay Airport was closed to landings. The captain indicated an intention to continue at 13,000 ft and hold over Mackay. At 20:45, air traffic control advised that visibility was fluctuating between 2 and 2.5 miles along runway 14/32. The pilot reported that airport lighting, the city area, and surrounding country were clearly visible, but noted a belt of fog extending about 10 miles to the southwest of the airport, moving slightly northeast across the airport. The pilot requested landing instructions and was cleared for a visual approach to runway 14. The aircraft reported on final approach and was cleared to land at 20:55. As it approached the runway threshold at approximately 50 ft, the pilot advised that a small patch of fog had suddenly appeared on the approach. The aircraft flew along the runway at about 50 ft and commenced a climb. The pilot then indicated an intention to attempt an approach to runway 32. ## Second Approach and Accident The aircraft descended to approach runway 32, reaching a height of approximately 200 ft. Before crossing the threshold, it began to climb along the line of the runway, and the pilot requested permission to hold over Mackay at 5,000 ft until weather conditions improved. This request was approved, and the aircraft held over Mackay until approximately 22:00. At 22:02, air traffic control noted that conditions were improving rapidly. The aircraft acknowledged and stated it would commence a let-down to approach runway 32. The aircraft was cleared for a visual approach, given the wind (calm) and QNH (1019 mb), and asked to report on final approach. No further communication was received from the flight. During the approach, the aircraft contacted the sea and crashed approximately 12 km short of the runway. ## Investigation Findings The investigation was unable to determine a probable cause. No evidence was found of material or structural defects, fire, or explosion on board, or any commotion or unusual act by any person in the aircraft. Investigators noted that something may have occurred within the final 2-3 minutes that left the pilot unaware of the actual rate of descent. This could have resulted from instruments not accurately recording altitude, or from the pilot relying on visual observation of surroundings without sufficient attention to instruments. The accident occurred at night with very few visual clues.