Bonanza had engine trouble before fatal Brisbane crash, says ATSB

According to the ATSB’s preliminary report, CCTV footage from Archerfield showed that the pilot had been unable to start the aircraft’s engine before their flight. A local engineer working at the airport ultimately helped the pilot start the plane’s engine via a battery cart.

After take-off, witnesses reported that the aircraft had been flying low, and that the engine appeared to be making a spluttering noise before the aircraft dropped suddenly.

“Flight data showed the aircraft initially climbed to about 1,100 ft,” said ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell.

“About four minutes into the flight it was recorded at 800 ft, before descending steadily over the next three minutes.”

The aircraft’s final data point was near the accident site, at an altitude of 284 ft, and with a groundspeed of 66 kt, the report stated.

The bureau’s examination of the wreckage found damage to the propeller that would have been consistent with low engine power during the crash.

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The landing gear was also found to have been extended at impact.

Further investigation is still to be completed and a final report will be made available at the conclusion of the investigation.

“The report details evidence gathered in the early phases of the ATSB’s investigation to be further analysed as the investigation progresses,” Mitchell said.

“Investigators will also conduct a performance assessment of the flight tracking data, and review aircraft maintenance, pilot documentation and training records.”

“Should any critical safety issues be identified before then, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so timely safety action can be taken,” he added.

The victims of the crash were previously identified as regular Outback Air Race participant and dairy industry businessman Ian Campbell, as well as his daughter.

“The death of a family member is always extremely difficult, but when two family members who are in reality in the prime of their life are taken in such tragic circumstances, it just exacerbates the grief that family and friends and many are feeling,” said Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg at the time.

“[The Campbells] were extraordinarily innovative in their approach and they brought a level of confidence in investment which was very important to our region.

“That just shows the mark of this family and the confidence that they actually had for agriculture and the dairy industry, and not only were they well connected to the local community, they were great corporate citizens and very generous in their support within the community and their support for very significant local community events, which was greatly appreciated.”