Loss of control involving Mitsubishi MU-2, VH-BBA, Leonora, Western Australia, on 16 December 1988 and Mitsubishi MU-2, VH-MUA, Meekatharra, Western Australia, on 26 January 1990

198800143

Summary

On 16 December 1988, at approximately 1015 hours a Mitsubishi MU-2B60 Marquise aircraft crashed on a Pastoral property 55 km WNW of Leonora Airfield, Western Australia. The pilot and nine passengers were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent fire.

The report concludes that the aircraft probably accrued icing on the frame which caused the airspeed to decrease to the point where the aircraft stalled and entered a spin; and that the pilot did not become aware of the decreasing airspeed in time to take action to prevent loss of control.

and

On 26 January 1990 at 0105 hours, a Mitsubishi MU-28-60 Marquise aircraft crashed approximately 10 km NNE of Meekatharra, WA. The pilot and passenger were both killed, and the aircraft was destroyed by impact and a subsequent fire.

The report concludes that the aircraft probably accrued icing on the airframe which caused the airspeed to decrease to the point where the aircraft stalled and entered a spin; that the pilot was not previously aware of the ice formation; and that he did not take action to prevent the aircraft's speed from decreasing.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198800143
Occurrence date 16/12/1988
Location near Leonora and Meekatharra
State Western Australia
Report release date 14/01/1992
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 Mitsubishi Aircraft Int
Model MU-2
Registration VH-BBA
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Charter
Departure point Leinster, WA
Destination Kalgoorlie, WA
Damage Destroyed

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Mitsubishi Aircraft Int
Model MU-2
Registration VH-MUA
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Charter
Departure point Perth, WA
Damage Destroyed