Investigation number
AO-2025-031
Occurrence date
Location
55 km from Bankstown Airport
State
New South Wales
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Evidence collection
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence category
Avionics/flight instruments
Objects falling from aircraft
Occurrence class
Incident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion
The ATSB is investigating an antenna failure involving a Beechcraft King Air B200, VH-EEL, near Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, on 18 June 2025.
During descent into Bankstown, the VHF antenna fractured. Part of the antenna separated from the aircraft and struck the vertical stabiliser, resulting in minor damage. The pilot briefly lost contact with air traffic control but regained it by switching to another channel. The aircraft landed safely without further incident.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve examining the remaining part of the antenna, interviewing the flight crew, examination of maintenance records, and the collection of other relevant information.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Raytheon Aircraft Company
Model
B200
Registration
VH-EEL
Aircraft Operator
C J Aerospace Pty Ltd
Serial number
BB-1697
Operation type
Part 135 Air transport operations - smaller aeroplanes
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Dubbo Airport, New South Wales
Destination
Bankstown Airport, New South Wales
Damage
Minor