Austflight Drifter A-503, AUF-357, Lake Richardson (16 km east-north-east of Woomera), South Australia, on 22 September 1990

Circumstances:

The pilot landed the aircraft on a strip near the lake and visited a group of friends on the shore with his passenger. It was arranged that the pilot would return in the aircraft and fly past for some photographs to be taken. The first run past the group on the shore was made in an easterly direction. The aircraft was then seen to turn onto a westerly heading and position for a second flypast. The height of the aircraft above the water on the two passes was estimated to be about 60-80 feet although photographs of the event show it to be much lower. After passing over the observers on the last run, the aircraft was seen to turn towards the east and start a steep climb. Witnesses reported that the speed of the aircraft reduced rapidly, and, at about 150 feet above ground level, the engine noise apparently reduced or stopped. The aircraft then dropped the right wing and dived into the water. The aircraft was seen to sink rapidly and only the passenger extricated himself from the wreckage. He clung to the tail and was recovered quickly by rescuers in a power boat. Despite repeated dives, the pilot could not be reached, and his body was removed after the wreckage was towed to shore. Detailed investigation did not reveal any faults or anomalies in the aircraft which could have contributed to the accident. Damage to the propeller was consistent with a strike under power. It is considered that the reduced power at the top of the steep climb was pilot induced during the attempted execution of a stall turn type manoeuvre. Discussions with witnesses and club members revealed that the pilot was overconfident in his attitude to flying the ultralight and would not readily accept advice or counselling on his handling the aircraft. It was further revealed that the pilot was prepared to perform in front of an audience and the events on the day of the accident support the conclusion that the pilot was engaged in an impromptu display in front of friends at the lake shore.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot engaged in an impromptu flying display for friends.

2. The pilot attempted a manoeuvre at an altitude that provided insufficient height for recovery.

3. The pilot was probably complacent and overconfident in his ability to handle the aircraft.