On December 7, 1983, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration A14-702) operated by Royal Australian Army was involved in an aviation accident near Point Cook (Melbourne), Australia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered an unrecoverable stall during a low-altitude maneuver. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-pilot demonstration flight ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft stall occurred during a low-altitude pass at RAAF Point Cook.
What happened
During a scheduled demonstration flight at RAAF Point Cook, a solo pilot was performing maneuvers when the incident occurred. While executing a low-altitude pass over the airfield, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft entered a stall condition, leading to a subsequent impact with the ground. Upon crashing, the airframe ignited, resulting in a post-crash fire.
Findings
The aircraft experienced a loss of control during a low pass.
The primary factor in the accident was an aerodynamic stall that occurred at a low altitude.
There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The aircraft entered an unrecoverable stall during a low-altitude maneuver.
What happened in the 7 Dec 1983 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Point Cook (Melbourne), Australia?
A single-pilot demonstration flight ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft stall occurred during a low-altitude pass at RAAF Point Cook.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Dec 1983 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Dec 1983 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration A14-702, operated by Royal Australian Army, at Point Cook (Melbourne), Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft entered an unrecoverable stall during a low-altitude maneuver.
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