Aviation safety investigations & reports
Collision with terrain involving Cessna 172, VH-REU, at Coonabarabran Aerodrome, New South Wales, 18 April 2022
AO-2022-027
Summary
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into a wirestrike and collision with terrain accident involving a Cessna 172, VH-REU, at Coonabarabran Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 18 April 2022.
The aircraft was observed to strike a powerline before impacting terrain. The pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The evidence phase of the investigation will include examining the aircraft wreckage and accident site, recovering any relevant aircraft components for detailed examination in the ATSB technical facilities, analysing any available recorded data, and interviewing involved parties.
A 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.
General details
| Date: | 18 April 2022 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
| Time: | 15:50 AEST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
| Location (show map): | Coonabarabran Aerodrome | Investigation phase: | Evidence collection | ||
| State: | New South Wales | Occurrence type: | Wirestrike | ||
| Occurrence category: | Accident | ||||
| Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | Fatal | ||
| Anticipated completion: | 3rd Quarter 2022 |
Aircraft details
| Aircraft manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft model | 172 | |
| Aircraft registration | VH-REU | |
| Serial number | 46237 | |
| Type of operation | General Aviation | |
| Damage to aircraft | Destroyed |