Collision with terrain involving Alexander Schleicher AS 33 Me, VH-8SP, near McCaffrey Field, Queensland, on 30 July 2025

AE-2025-003

Summary

The ATSB is assisting Gliding Australia with an investigation into a collision with terrain involving Alexander Schleicher AS 33 Me, registration VH-8SP, near McCaffrey Field, Queensland, on 30 July 2025.

During glider towing operations, after the glider was released, it collided with terrain, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot.

In response to this accident, Gliding Australia commenced an investigation. As part of its investigations, Gliding Australia requested technical assistance from the ATSB to examine components from the accident.

To facilitate this support and to provide the appropriate protections for the information, the ATSB initiated an investigation under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

Any enquiries relating to the investigation should be directed to Gliding Australia.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AE-2025-003
Occurrence date 30/07/2025
Location Near McCaffrey Field
State Queensland
Investigation type External Investigation
Investigation phase Evidence collection
Investigation status Active
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal