What happened
While operating in a formation with another aircraft, a single-engine plane departed Archerfield, intending to fly toward Caboolture via the light aircraft lane west of Brisbane. Approximately five minutes into the flight, the pilot reported a dual engine malfunction and declared an emergency. Although the accompanying pilot suggested several potential forced landing sites near a local golf course, the aircraft's descent continued.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft exhibiting unstable flight characteristics, including erratic yawing and rolling. The engine RPM was noted to be fluctuating, accompanied by loud backfiring sounds. The aircraft eventually rolled into an inverted position and entered a steep dive. During the descent, the aircraft struck a large tree, which caused the right wing to be severed outboard of the engine, before the plane ultimately crashed onto a road. There was one fatality involving the pilot.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced simultaneous failures in both engines.
- The aircraft entered an inverted flight state and a steep dive following the engine malfunctions.