Collision with terrain involving BRM Aero Bristell Classic, 23-2136, 32 km south of Bendigo Airport, Victoria, on 13 September 2024

AE-2024-007

On 13 September 2024, a BRM Aero Bristell Classic, registered 23-2136, collided with terrain about 32 km south of Bendigo aerodrome, Victoria. The pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire.

As part of an investigation by the Coroners Court of Victoria, Victoria Police requested assistance from the ATSB in the examination of components from the aircraft. The ATSB commenced an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The ATSB has completed its work recovering the recorded flight path data from the supplied avionics. A copy of the data and a report detailing the work undertaken by the ATSB was provided to Victoria Police on 17 March 2026.

Any enquiries relating to the investigation should be directed to Victoria Police.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AE-2024-007
Occurrence date 13/09/2024
Location 32 km south of Bendigo Airport
State Victoria
Investigation type External Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Aircraft details

Manufacturer BRM Aero S.R.O.
Model Bristell Classic
Registration 23-2136
Sector Piston
Operation type Part 103 Sport and recreational aircraft
Activity General aviation / Recreational-Sport and pleasure flying-Pleasure and personal transport
Departure point Penfield (ALA), Victoria
Destination Kyneton (ALA), Victoria
Damage Destroyed