Air aviation news – The investigation into the fatal crash of a firefighting surveillance plane in Queensland could take weeks or even longer, a top official said today.
The Turbo Commander propeller aircraft, leased from a Victorian aviation company, crashed near Mount Isa, in the state’s north-west yesterday, killing three people.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) today gave an update on the tragic incident.
Deputy commissioner Mike Wassing said the three aerial surveillance crew killed in the crash had close connections with rural fire services in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
“They were part of a very close community … they had worked very closely with our air operations personnel,” he said.
He said QFES members were impacted by the incident and the organisation was working to support them through a trying time.
Wassing said the focus was now switching to getting investigators to the “very remote” crash site in the McKinlay area on the outskirts of Cloncurry.
He said the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would lead the investigation.
But he warned it was likely to “take weeks, if not months” to piece together what happened to the plane which was travelling from Toowoomba to Mt Isa to monitor firefighting operations, duties known as line scans.
Earlier today, Victorian aviation company AGAIR confirmed it was one of its aircraft involved in the fatal incident.
“During aerial fire surveillance operations an accident occurred with one of our aircraft,” it said in a statement.
“We are all utterly devastated, and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of our staff.
“Our sincerest gratitude to the first responders and QFES who are providing ongoing assistance to us.”
AGAIR chief executive Rob Boschen said the aircraft was a Turbo Commander, registration VH-HPY.
“Authorities have confirmed three of our valued, and dearly loved staff were the only occupants of the aircraft, and there were no survivors,” he said.
“AGAIR will provide full assistance and support to all authorities in the course of their investigations.”
Emergency crews spent hours travelling to the remote location yesterday in the McKinlay area on the outskirts of Cloncurry after a local resident called police at 2.30pm (3.30pm AEST).
Police said the Rescue 400 helicopter found the wreckage at 4pm (5pm AEST) “in difficult terrain” while ground crews made their way to the site.
Yesterday Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement the state was in shock.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news that an aerial firefighting crew have lost their lives after their plane went down north-west of McKinlay,” she said.
“The crew onboard this aircraft have been doing everything they could to keep Queenslanders safe.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the many people who have been impacted by this shocking incident.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on his way to China, sent his condolences to the families of those killed.
“Terribly sad that three brave souls working to help their fellow Australians have lost their lives in Queensland,” he said on X.
“A tragic reminder of the dangers those on the front line of bushfires face.
“Heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and colleagues in this time of grief.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will launch its own investigation into the crash.
“A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB’s Brisbane office with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance are preparing to deploy to the accident site,” a spokesperson said last night.
“Over the coming days, investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site including site mapping, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, which will detail factual information established during the investigation’s initial evidence collection phase, in approximately six to eight weeks.
“The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the crash ofbehalf of the coroner.