Cessna A150K, VH-DXB, Jimba Jimba Station, 73 miles ESE of Carnarvon, WA, 12 May 1974

197405989

Summary

On its return to the mustering area, communication was established with a stockman riding a motor cycle who was directed towards some straggling sheep. The aircraft then dived to a low height to indicate the position of the stragglers.

An impact noise was heard shortly afterwards. Examination of the wreckage indicated that the aircraft had struck the ground in a very steep nose down attitude consistent with an uncompleted recovery from a stall. There was no evidence of any engine defect and it was established that aircraft had adequate- fuel.

On its return to the mustering area, communication was established with a stockman riding a motor cycle who was directed towards some straggling sheep. The aircraft then dived to a low height to indicate the position of the stragglers. As the aircraft pulled up from the dive the pilot said that he had lost sight of the sheep and would dive towards their position again. The aircraft again dived to a low height and climbed away with the wings level. As it commenced to level out at a height estimated as between 300 and 500 feet, the engine noise was heard to cease and it then passed out of the stockman's sight behind a tree. An impact noise was heard shortly afterwards. Examination of the wreckage Indicated that the aircraft had struck the ground in a very steep nose down attitude consistent with an uncompleted recovery from a stall. There was no evidence of any engine defect and it was established that aircraft had adequate- fuel.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 197405989
Occurrence date 12/05/1974
Location Jimba Jimba Station, Carnarvon
Report release date 03/02/1975
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 150
Registration VH-DXB
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Mooka Station
Damage Destroyed