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Two people have died after a Piper Pawnee collided with a Jabiru J430 that was taking off at Caboolture Airfield in Queensland.
Pilot David Maddern and his wife Jan Maddern, flying in the Jabiru, were killed in the mid-air collision on Friday, but the male pilot in the other aircraft was uninjured.
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The ATSB said it had launched an investigation, with a team onsite and another due to arrive from Canberra on Saturday morning.
“Investigators will begin gathering evidence by mapping the accident site, examining the aircraft wreckage, interviewing the surviving pilot and witnesses, and collecting relevant recorded information such as any CCTV footage and flight tracking data,” the organisation said in a statement.
“The ATSB asks anyone who witnessed the accident or may have video footage of either aircraft at any phase of their flights to make contact via the witness form on our website: atsb.gov.au/witness at their earliest opportunity.
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, which will detail factual information established during the investigation’s initial evidence collection phase, in approximately 6-8 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.”
Meanwhile, Caboolture Aero Club said its members were “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident,” the statement read.
“We understand that investigations by relevant authorities have commenced, and we will cooperate with all relevant investigations.”
