Airport plan crash investigation continues

The crash on May 15 destroyed the aircraft and caused serious injuries to pilot Ben Wheeler and instructor Catherine Fitzsimons.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its preliminary report on Thursday, which found pre-flight inspections, briefings and checks were completed before takeoff. 

The pair completed a circuit before landing and taking off in one manoeuvre without incident, but on the second circuit, the plane was too high and ATSB transport safety executive director Nat Nagy said Mr Wheeler adjusted the angle of descent.

“On landing, the aircraft bounced and the pilot conducted a go-around manoeuvre [to take off again], applying full power,” he said.

The report said as Mr Wheeler turned his attention to the instruments, Ms Fitzsimons told him to keep the wings level.

However, they felt the aircraft rolling to the left and it hit the ground, coming to rest on its roof. 

According to the report, a Cirrus SR22 aircraft’s propeller rotates clockwise and an increase in power can cause the aircraft to roll to the left without pilot input.

Mr Wheeler escaped the aircraft by kicking out a window before helping Ms Fitzsimons. 

In the meantime, the wings caught alight and a grass fire started. 

Mr Nagy said the investigation remained open. 

“[It] will now involve further interviews with both the pilot and instructor, as well as examination of recorded flight data from the aircraft, as well as the flight controls,” he said. 

The ATSB expects to complete the investigation by the end of June next year.