Wirestrike and collision with terrain involving Air Tractor AT-502, VH-CJY, 19 km south-east of Lake Cargelligo Airport, New South Wales, on 18 July 2024

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a wirestrike and collision with terrain involving an Air Tractor AT-502, registration VH‑CJY, 19 km south-east of Lake Cargelligo Airport, New South Wales, on 18 July 2024.

During aerial agricultural spraying operations, the aircraft struck a wire and subsequently collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The pilot was fatally injured.

The ATSB deployed a team of transport safety investigators to the accident site with experience in aircraft operations, engineering, and human factors. As part of the on-site phase of the investigation, ATSB investigators examined the aircraft wreckage and other information from the accident site, interviewed witnesses and any involved parties, and examined maintenance records and any recorded data.

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release. 

The 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.