Investigation number
AO-2007-061
Occurrence date
Location
24 km SE Inverloch
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Collision with terrain
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

On 17 November 2007, the owner-pilot of a Cessna Aircraft Company C337G (Skymaster), registered VH-CHU, was conducting a private flight in accordance with the visual flight rules (VFR) from Moorabbin Airport, Vic. to Merimbula, NSW. The pilot, who was accompanied by three passengers, had indicated that he would be tracking along the coast. The aircraft did not arrive at Merimbula and on 19 November 2007 aircraft wreckage and three of the deceased occupants were found on a beach between Venus Bay and Cape Liptrap, Vic. Wreckage was found on the beach and in the sea off the beach. There were no survivors.

The investigation found that while manoeuvring over water at low level in conditions of reduced visibility, the pilot probably became spatially disorientated and inadvertently descended into the water. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of instrument flying qualification and minimal instrument flying training and experience.

While not a contributing safety factor, the aircraft was probably operated outside its specified weight and balance limits in the early stages of the flight, which had the potential to adversely affect the aircraft's performance and controllability. The operation of visual flight rules flights into instrument meteorological conditions (VFR into IMC) continues to be a significant risk factor in general aviation, but there are a number of countermeasures which can be used to reduce the risk.

Aircraft Details
Departure point
Moorabbin, Vic
Destination
Merimbula, NSW
Model
337
Serial number
33701773
Registration
VH-CHU
Operation type
Private
Damage
Destroyed
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Departure time
1211
Crew Details
Class of Licence
Hours on Type
10
Hours Total
0