Incident Overview
On 12 June 2014, at approximately 1530 Eastern Standard Time, a Piper PA-46 aircraft, registered VH-TSV, departed Dubbo, New South Wales on a private flight to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The aircraft was operated by a pilot and carried one passenger. The planned route was via Moree and Toowoomba at an altitude of 13,500 ft above mean sea level (AMSL).
Preceding Flights
Earlier that day, the pilot had flown the aircraft from Sunshine Coast to Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, and Dubbo. The pilot reported that all engine indications were normal during those flights.
Partial Engine Failure
About one hour after departing Dubbo, while approximately 26 nautical miles south of Narrabri at about 13,500 ft AMSL, the pilot observed that the engine manifold pressure gauge indicated 25 inches of mercury (in Hg), whereas the selected throttle position would normally produce about 28 in Hg. The pilot selected the alternate air, but this did not result in an increase in power. The pilot then elected to descend to 10,000 ft. At that power setting, the engine would normally produce about 29 in Hg, but the gauge still indicated only about 25 in Hg. The pilot turned the aircraft towards Narrabri to attempt to fly clear of the Pilliga State Forest. He assessed that the aircraft had a partial engine failure and performed troubleshooting checks.
Oil Pressure Drop and Engine Damage
As the aircraft descended through approximately 8,000 ft, the pilot observed the oil pressure gauge indicating decreasing pressure. When passing about 6,500 ft, the oil pressure gauge indicated zero. The pilot then heard two loud bangs and observed the cowling lift momentarily from above the engine. The passenger observed a puff of smoke emanating from the engine, and momentarily a small amount of smoke in the cockpit.
Forced Landing
The pilot established the aircraft in a glide at about 90 knots, secured the engine, and completed the emergency checklist. He broadcast a 'Mayday' call on Brisbane Centre radio frequency, advising of an engine failure and forced landing. The pilot looked for a clear area below for a forced landing and asked the passenger to assist in identifying any cleared areas suitable for landing. Both only identified heavily treed areas. The pilot extended the landing gear and selected 10 degrees of flap. At about 1,000 ft, the pilot shut off the fuel, deployed the emergency beacon, and then switched off the electrical system. As the aircraft entered the tree tops, he flared to stall the aircraft.
Aftermath
On impact, the pilot was seriously injured and lost consciousness. The passenger reported that the wings impacted with trees and the aircraft slid about 10 meters before coming to rest. The passenger checked for any evidence of fuel leak or fire and administered basic first aid to the pilot. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.