Investigation number
AO-2021-054
Occurrence date
Location
34 km north-north-west of Mackay Airport
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Discontinued
Investigation level
Defined
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Dissemination
Investigation status
Discontinued
Aviation occurrence type
Engine failure or malfunction
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

The ATSB has commenced a transport safety investigation into a collision with terrain involving an amateur-built Jodel D11 aircraft, registered VH-WBL, which occurred at Ball Bay about 34 km north-north-west of Mackay Airport, Queensland on 24 December 2021 at about 8.00am Eastern Australian Standard Time.

The aircraft collided with terrain shortly after take-off. The passenger was fatally injured and the pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

The wreckage was removed from the accident site by Queensland Police crash forensics and transported to a secure facility, where it will be examined by ATSB investigators.

The ongoing investigation will collect and examine other relevant evidence, including weather information, witness reports, and pilot and maintenance records.

A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation, however, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.

Aircraft Details
Departure point
Ball Bay, Queensland
Model
D11
Serial number
W49
Sector
Piston
Registration
VH-WBL
Operation type
Private
Damage
Destroyed
Manufacturer
Jodel, Societs Des Avions
Aircraft Operator
Q I E PTY LTD