ATSB lauds golf course crash pilot’s ‘effective decision-making’

The ATSB’s investigation found that an exhaust valve broke in the Cherokee’s engine, causing a “rapid loss of power” at around 1,600 feet.

“The source of the engine failure was found to be the exhaust valve of the engine’s number 3 cylinder, which broke away from its stem and caused extensive damage to the internal surfaces of the cylinder, its piston and spark plugs,” the ATSB said.

“In this case, the cause of the exhaust valve failure could not be determined. However, the ATSB’s final report notes the engine’s manufacturer, Textron Lycoming, has provided maintenance practices to reduce the possibility of valve sticking.”

After hearing “unusual noises” and noticing a loss of engine RPM, the instructor took control of the plane and intended to land at Long Reef golf course, but switched to Mona Vale after judging the aircraft would not reach Long Reef.

“During the final stages of the approach, the pilot realised they had positioned the aircraft such that they could not safely land straight ahead, and so made a right turn to avoid the golf course facilities,” the ATSB said.

“During the turn the right wing dropped. The aircraft subsequently landed heavily, resulting in substantial damage, and minor injuries to the student pilot.”

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According to ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell, the pilot’s “prompt identification of a suitable forced landing site meant a worse potential outcome was avoided”.

“The instructor was proactive in maintaining an awareness of potential landing sites throughout the flight,” he said.

“About six minutes into the occurrence, as the engine RPM progressively decreased, the instructor was able to determine that the safest option would be to conduct a landing on the Mona Vale golf course.

“This investigation highlights the importance of effective decision-making skills in emergency situations.”

Eyewitness Keanu Turnewitsch told the ABC at the time he had seen a “big shadow” passing overhead right before the crash landing.

“I thought, ‘It’s a big bird’ and looked up and there was an airplane close enough I could have thrown a club up and hit it,” he said.

“It was dead silence. About 30 seconds later, we had a big crunching sound … then all the ambulances and everything started coming past and sirens for 20, 30 minutes.

“By the time we got back up around, there was an airplane on the golf course.”

According to the ATSB, the training operator has since undertaken “several safety actions, including revising its emergency briefing content, completing a review of competency in conducting engine failure procedures for its instructors, and commencing a process to check students’ post-engine failure competencies”.