• Pawnee GWS was burnt out in the crash. (ATSB)
    Pawnee GWS was burnt out in the crash. (ATSB)
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An ATSB investigation report into the fatal crash of a Piper Pawnee near Hallston, Vic, last year was likely caused by a partial power loss.

On May 1 2012, the pilot of a Piper PA 25-235 registered VH-GWS collided with terrain near the base of a gully shortly after take-off. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire and the pilot was fatally injured.

Evidence showed the pilot had started to dump the load of fertilizer, but didn't get all of it out before the crash.

"The aircraft likely sustained a partial power loss shortly after takeoff," the ATSB report states, "resulting in an inability to continue climbing or maintain altitude.

"Damage sustained during the accident and post-impact fire prevented an identification of the specific reasons for the power loss. The ATSB also found that operation of the aircraft over hilly terrain probably limited the pilot’s emergency landing options and increased the severity of the terrain impact following engine power loss."

The full report into the crash can be read on the ATSB website here.

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