Collision with terrain - VH-KVT, 81 km north-east of Winton, Queensland, on 17 August 2009

AO-2009-051

Preliminary report

Preliminary report released 28 September 2009

At about 1730 Eastern Standard Time on 17 August 2009, a Cessna Company U206G aircraft, registered VH-KVT, was being operated on a local flight on a property 81 km north-east of Winton, Qld. The pilot was the only person on board. Following a steep dive, the aircraft collided with flat, open terrain in a steep nose-low attitude, resulting in serious damage. The pilot received fatal injuries.

Summary

At about 1730 Eastern Standard Time on 17 August 2009, a Cessna Company U206G aircraft, registered VH-KVT, was being operated on a local flight on a property 81 km north-east of Winton, Queensland. The pilot was the only person on board. The only witness reported seeing the aircraft in a steep dive before losing sight of it behind slightly rising ground. The aircraft was later found to have collided with flat, open terrain in a steep nose-low attitude, resulting in serious damage. The pilot received fatal injuries.

Due to the limited evidence available, the investigation was unable to establish the reason(s) why the aircraft departed controlled flight and impacted the ground.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AO-2009-051
Occurrence date 17/08/2009
Location 81 km NE of Winton
State Queensland
Report release date 28/06/2010
Report status Final
Investigation level Systemic
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 206
Registration VH-KVT
Serial number U20606450
Sector Piston
Operation type Private