What happened
On 26 January 2017, a Grumman American Aviation Corp G-73 aircraft, registered VH-CQA, was performing at the City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks event. The aircraft was operating over the Swan River near Perth Water, specifically performing low-altitude maneuvers near the Langley Park foreshore. During the initial part of the flight, the pilot was flying alongside a Cessna Caravan amphibian.
After the two aircraft completed two shared passes, the Cessna Caravan left the display area. The pilot of VH-CQA then obtained permission to perform an additional pass on their own. While the aircraft was maneuvering to position itself for this third pass, it lost control and struck the surface of the water. The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger on board.
Findings
During the process of repositioning for a solo pass, the aircraft departed controlled flight and impacted the water.