Cessna 182-K, VH-KOH, Meadowbank Lake, (60 km north-west of Hobart), Tasmania, on 9 January 1991

Circumstances:

The pilot was involved with a group of Venturer Scouts on camp in Tasmania. At the time of the accident, about 20 members of the group were involved in water skiing activities at Meadowbank Lake. The pilot had earlier arranged to make two scenic flights to Cox Bight in the State's south-west for members of the group. He had also told one of the scouts that he would fly past them at the lake. The lake was on the planned track to the south-west and the flight on which the accident occurred was the first of the two planned flights. The lake is approximately 13 kilometres long and lies generally in a north-west/south-east direction. The aircraft was seen approaching from the north-west over the lake at low level. It flew past the group which was located on the south-west bank of the lake. The occupants could be seen waving to those on the shore. Shortly after passing the group, the aircraft hit the top wire of a three wire powerline that was suspended across the lake at a height of about 12 metres above the water. The wire first impacted the left main wheel and then slid up the wheel leg. The wire broke at the poles from which it was suspended either side of the lake. It was then dragged some distance by the aircraft. The two poles were approximately 300 metres apart. The aircraft continued for about 500 metres before diving into the water. The powerline would have been very difficult to see from the aircraft. There were no hazard markers of any description on the powerline, and it would have blended into the background of cliffs on the edge of the lake.

Significant Factors:

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

1. The aircraft was flown on a low altitude across the lake surface.

2. The powerline would have been difficult to see from the aircraft.