An investigation into the crash of a PZL-Mielec M18A Turbine Dromader in Queensland last year has not established a definite cause.
The aircraft was on spraying operations on a cotton station near Dirranbandi on July 19 when it failed to return from a sortie. The wreckage was later found in a ploughed paddock. The pilot did not survive the impact.
The ATSB was able to determine that the pilot lost control during a turn at low-level and was unable to recover, but the reason why the pilot lost control couldn’t be established, and although there were anomalies, none was supported by evidence as the cause.
Data from the flight recorder showed that the aircraft had exceeded the maximum structural limits during the flight several times, but the wreckage showed no signs of air frame failure in flight. Accelerated stall and distraction were also considered, but neither was conclusive.
What the ATSB did find was that the Dromader’s centre of gravity varied significantly with the hopper weight and could exceed the forward and aft limits during a flight. Both CASA and the holder of the supplemental type certificate (STC) have taken action to highlight the issue to operators.
The final report is available on the ATSB website.