Investigators on scene of plane crash

Bendigo Weekly | Bendigo Weekly | 29-Oct-2012

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The scene at the airstrip.
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Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators said technical malfunction is unlikely to be the cause of the fatal plane crash at Bagshot yesterday.

A 77-year-old Mount Evelyn man, who was a passenger on the plane, died when it crashed after clipping powerlines on approach to the private airstrip.

A 65-year-old Olinda man and a 75-year-old man from Boronia were flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne with serious injuries.

The ATSB team of investigators began sifting through the wreckage and taking witness statements, following their arrival on the site this morning (Tuesday). 

Team leader Eric Blankenstein said that initial examination suggested "no trouble with the aircraft".

He said the investigation will examine the suitability of the airfield.

"We have to look at whether it was cloudy or smoky in Bendigo, or if there may have been sun in the pilot's eyes."

Mr Blankenstein said wire-strike crashes are "quite common".

"ATSB has done a lot of research into landing problems," he said.

"It doesn't seem to make a difference about the age or experience of the pilot."

 

EARLIER

Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators this morning arrived on the scene of a fatal plane crash at Bagshot.

A 77 year old Mount Evelyn man, who was a passenger on the plan, died when it crashed after clipping powerlines on approach to the private airstrip.

A 65 year old Olinda man and a 75 year old man from Boronia were flown to the Alfred Hospital with serious injuries.

The ATSB has sent a team of investigators to begin the on-site phase of the investigation.

The team which includes experts in engineering and aircraft operations is expected to arrive mid-morning today and spend at least three and up to five days at the accident site.
 
As part of the onsite investigation, the team will be examining the wreckage for evidence, interviewing witnesses and aircraft operator and reviewing maintenance documents.
 
The ATSB will also review the pilot’s training and experience and collate and analyse witness information.
 
The ATSB aims to finalise its investigation within 12 months. 

EARLIER

ONE man has died and another two are injured after a plane crash at Bagshot.

The Cessna 172 was coming into land at a private airstrip, on Barnadown Road just after 1pm when it clipped power lines, landing on its roof.

Bendigo Police Inspector Mark Edwards said the plane incinerated on impact and there was "not much left" of it when fire crews arrived.

Insp Edwards said the plane had come from Montrose for maintenance. 

He said another light plane had landed safely on the grass airstrip just minutes before.

Both injured men were in their 60s, and have been flown to the Alfred Hospital.

One man is in critical condition with serious burns and the other has head injuries.

Investigators from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority were expected at the site this afternoon.

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