The ATSB is investigating an accident involving DynAero MCR-01 aeroplane VH-SIP, that collided with terrain soon after take-off from Serpentine Airfield, Western Australia, on 28 December 2020.

Witnesses at the airport recalled seeing the aircraft become airborne from runway 09, but soon after heard the engine ‘labouring’. The aircraft did not gain significant altitude and turned left, in what they perceived was an attempt by the pilot to return to the airfield. The aircraft remained at a low altitude and close to the airfield perimeter.

The aircraft was tracking towards the extended runway centreline for runway 23, when they observed the left bank angle steepen and the aircraft departed abruptly from controlled flight, descending vertically towards the ground. The pilot was the only person onboard and was fatally injured.

To date, the ATSB has examined the wreckage and the accident site, and interviewed a number of witnesses. Further activities during the evidence collection phase will include a more detailed examination of the engine and related components, additional witness interviews and a review of aircraft maintenance and airworthiness documentation.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.