The ATSB investigation report into the crash of an antique De Havilland Dragon near Gypmie reads like a desperate struggle to get out of a bad situation.
VH-UXG was returning to Caboolture, QLD, from Monto when it flew into cloud on 1 October last year. Despite almost an hour of communication with both ATC and an AMSA-tasked helicopter, the pilot was unable to get back into visual conditions and the aircraft crashed into trees with the loss of all on board.
At 1.15 pm on the day of the crash, the pilot of Dragon Riama contacted Brisbane Centre (ATC) to request navigation assistance as the aircraft was in cloud. Although the pilot had not declared an emergency, the controller declared an alert phase only five minutes later.
For the next 50 minutes, ATC and the rescue helicopter tried to get a fix on the aircraft and guide it back into clear air. Contact was lost with UXG after 2.00 pm.
The ATSB cites as contributing factors: "The pilot unintentionally entered instrument meteorological conditions and was unable to reattain and maintain visual conditions. It is likely that the pilot became spatially disoriented and lost control due to a combination of factors such as the absence of a visible horizon, cumulative workload, stress and/or distraction."
VH-UXG was not IFR and the pilot did not hold an instrument rating. Other pilots reported that the Dragon required constant control inputs to remain straight and level, and roll handling was heavy and needed considerable and co-ordinated rudder.
The full investigation report is available on the ATSB website.