The ATSB has released a preliminary report from its ongoing investigation into an accident involving an Air Tractor aircraft conducting aerial spraying on a property near Bourke, in north-western New South Wales, on the morning of 10 February 2024.
Recorded data showed the AT-502 aircraft took off in a southerly direction from an airstrip on the property with its first load of herbicide, and commenced spraying a field, which was expected to be conducted with the aircraft's wheels about 2-3 m above the ground.
Twelve seconds after spraying commenced, the recorded data ended, with a final recorded ground speed of about 114 kt.
The aircraft wreckage was subsequently located in a cotton field adjacent to that being sprayed by another pilot spraying the same property, who had become concerned when they could not contact the accident pilot.
The pilot was found to be fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
"A site examination found the aircraft had impacted an irrigation levee adjacent to the southernmost field being sprayed," acting Director Transport Safety Dr Nathalie Boston said.
"A ground scar about 27 m long from the aircraft's left main wheel was found in the paddock just before the levee, and two more wheel marks were found where the main landing gear struck the levee."
Examination of the wreckage itself indicated the aircraft collided with terrain nose down, then came to rest inverted.
"All of the aircraft's major components were present at the accident site, and there was no evidence of an in-flight break-up," Dr Boston said.
"Additionally, there were no pre-impact defects identified with the airframe or flight controls, and examination of the engine and propellor indicated that the aircraft was under power at impact."
As it progresses the investigation will include review and examination of electronic components recovered from the aircraft, medical and pathological records, operational documentation, and aircraft maintenance records.
A final report, which will detail the ATSB's findings and its analysis of the collected evidence, will be released at the investigation's conclusion.
