Cessna 172G, VH-RBG, Murray River near Waikerie, SA, 30 November 1974

197404592

Summary

After take-off, the aircraft circled Moorook and then Kingston -on -Murray after which it headed In a northerly direction until it was again over the Murray River. It then followed the river on a generally westerly heading to Wigley Flat, a small settlement some 22 kilometres east of Waikerie, and, after circling at a low height, continued along the river. As the aircraft followed a bend in the river and was turning to the right, the pilot suddenly saw a power cable immediately ahead but there was insufficient time to take avoiding action before the cable was struck. The aircraft crashed into the river below but the three occupants were able to open the doors and leave the cabin before it sank in deep water.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 197404592
Occurrence date 30/11/1974
Location Murray River near Waikerie
Report release date 10/06/1975
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Wirestrike
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 172
Registration VH-RBG
Operation type Private
Departure point Moorook
Destination Waikerie
Damage Destroyed