The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Morgan Cougar Mk1 aircraft, VH-LDV, about 19 km north-west of West Sale Airport, Victoria, on 16 November 2024. The aircraft collided with terrain and was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The pilot and 2 passengers sustained fatal injuries.
To date, the ATSB investigation has included:
- interviewing witnesses
- examining available closed-circuit television (CCTV) and witness statements of the occurrence
- examination of aircraft records
- review of pilot and flying school records
- inspection of the accident site
- examination and analysis of aircraft components
- analysis of air traffic surveillance data, CCTV footage, wreckage site and witness statements.
In the course of the investigation, the ATSB identified potential limitations with risk controls relevant to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent an increase in the scope of this investigation, and it has been upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).
The continuing investigation will include analysis of:
- survivability factors
- flying training school procedures and practices.
A preliminary report which detailed factual information established during the evidence collection phase was released on 18 December 2024 [see adjacent tab].
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.