An instructor and student pilot killed during an aerobatics training flight on the Sunshine Coast may have been attempting to use a spin recovery method ill-suited to the aircraft they were in, a report has found.
Adam Heath and Rory Blanning were flying the Cessna A150 Aerobat on June 23 last year when it crashed at bushland near Peachester.
Air traffic control radar data showed that about 20 minutes after take-off, the aircraft entered a spin to the left 5,800 ft above ground level, and then hit the ground 55 seconds later.
The two men died at the scene.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau analysed the accident site and established that the aircraft’s forward movement and low angle of entry indicated it was most likely in the process of recovering from the spin when it impacted with terrain.
The report notes the aerobatics instructor was experienced in conducting spins, primarily in the Pitts Special aircraft type, for which the Mueller/Beggs method is effective.
“The instructor likely intended to practice two spin recovery techniques, including the Mueller/Beggs recovery method, which has been shown to not recover a Cessna A150 Aerobat established in a spin to the left,” ATSB director of transport safety Dr Michael Walker says.
“A second student, who was also to fly the same training flight with the instructor in the Aerobat aircraft later that day, told the ATSB they believed they would be conducting both methods of spin recovery.
“The ATSB therefore concluded it was likely the instructor was either not aware, or did not recall, that the Aerobat would not recover using this method in a spin to the left.”
But the safety bureau was unable to ascertain which recovery techniques were being used or if the use of an inappropriate recovery technique contributed to the accident.
It is advising aerobatic pilots and instructors of the limitations of the Meuller/Beggs spin recovery method for some aircraft types
“Prior to intentionally spinning an aircraft, pilots should obtain instruction and/or advice in spins and recovery techniques from an instructor who is fully qualified and current in spinning that model,” Dr Walker says.
“All aircraft types do not spin and recover in the same way. Know your aircraft type, what recovery techniques will work and what recovery techniques will not work.”
Image: ATSB
