On 7 December 2007, the pilot of an Air Tractor Inc. AT-802
aircraft, registered VH-LIS, was conducting a test flight at Lake
Liddell, NSW. The purpose of the flight was to test an experimental
in-flight water collection system using skis attached to the
aircraft's main landing gear.
At about 0910 Eastern Daylight-saving Time, the pilot was
conducting the second test run of the day. After the aircraft skis
had been in contact with the surface of the lake for 36 seconds,
witnesses observed the aircraft pitching nose down, about its right
main landing gear while rotating to the right. The aircraft then
overturned and sank. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the
pilot was fatally injured.
The investigation concluded that the right experimental ski
breached the surface of the water which caused a substantial amount
of drag to act on the right side of the aircraft, as a consequence,
the aircraft became uncontrollable. The circumstances of this
accident highlight the need for due diligence and detailed risk
assessments to be performed as part of experimental test
programs.
As a result of this incident, the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority (CASA) has proposed amendments to Advisory Circular 21-10
- Experimental Certificates to provide:
- updated guidance information to persons applying for the issue
of experimental certificates
- advice on risk management for test pilots during experimental
flight testing.
In addition, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
issued a safety recommendation to CASA in respect of the need to
consider the safety of third parties, including on the ground or
water, before issuing a Special Certificate of Airworthiness.
Aviation Safety Recommendation
[ AO-2007-066-SR-081]
