An ATSB investigation report published this week concludes that poor flight planning on behalf of a C182 pilot led to a collision with trees whilst flying in marginal weather.
The pilot was flying C182T VH-TSS with one passenger on board on a VFR flight from Emerald QLD to Atherton in June this year when they encountered non-visual conditions 51 nm NE of Charters Towers. The pilot diverted to the west to try to get into Mareeba over lower terrain, but soon faced white-out conditions ahead.
“Aiming to avoid the cloud, the pilot began to turn and reduced engine power, but the aircraft entered cloud while about 200 ft above ground level, and tracking towards rising terrain,” ATSB Director of Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley explained.
Recorded data indicated the aircraft conducted a full 360° left turn with several changes in altitude, and came close to terrain, before the pilot engaged the autopilot.
“Using the autopilot, the pilot then commanded a 180° left turn in an attempt to exit cloud. But, as the aircraft climbed, its airspeed dropped and it likely stalled, leading it to rapidly descend in a dive.”
The pilot instigated recovery, but couldn't prevent the left wing of the Cessna colliding with trees. The pilot regained control, navigated out of IMC on instruments and was able to divert to Charters Towers. Although both pilot and passenger were unhurt, the aircraft was substantially damaged.
"The pilot’s pre-flight planning was inadequate for the intended flight," ATSB investigators concluded. "The pilot had planned the second leg of the flight at a height that would not have allowed sufficient safe margin from terrain.
"While they obtained the forecast weather for a location close to their destination, which identified local conditions were suitable for visual flight, the pilot did not obtain the required graphical area forecast which indicated cloud height below terrain level on the flight planned track."
“Given the aircraft struck trees while exiting a dive, the pilot and passenger were incredibly fortunate to avoid a catastrophic outcome,” Godley added.
“It is the nature of flying under visual flight rules that pilots will not always be able to reach their planned destination.
“Making an early decision to land or divert and to resist the urge to ‘press on’ may prevent flight into marginal weather conditions and ultimately disaster.”
Godley noted 108 occurrences VFR pilots flying entered IMC that were reported to the ATSB in the last 10 years. Of these, 14 resulted in accidents, with 23 fatalities.
The full investigation report is on the ATSB website.