Summary
The pilot initiated the take-off with 4,500 ft to run on runway 32. Soon after liftoff, the Tower controllers noticed that the aircraft was trailing white smoke. At about 300 ft AGL the aircraft appeared to enter a left descending turn. The left bank increased until the aircraft was almost vertical before it impacted with the ground.
The complete single piece wing structure broke free from the fuselage during the impact. A fire developed in the engine bay which spread to the separated wing structure. The back seat passenger was not seriously injured and was able to extricate himself from the rear cockpit and pull the pilot free of the wreckage.
The pilot did not survive the crash.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199700744 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 06/03/1997 |
| Location | Tindal, Aerodrome |
| State | Northern Territory |
| Report release date | 09/07/1998 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | T-6 |
| Registration | VH-YES |
| Serial number | T-6 MK IV, 14482 |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Tindal, NT |
| Destination | Tindal, NT |
| Damage | Destroyed |