A PILOT’S failure to notice that a rudder trim was in full nose-left position caused a small plane to crash into Essendon DFO killing five people in February last year, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found.
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The oversight caused the plane to “yaw” left on takeoff and enter into a shallow climb before starting to descend.
The plane’s operator – Corporate and Leisure Aviation – did not have an “appropriate flight check system in place” and the fault was not detected, but the ATSB did not say this contributed to the crash. A cockpit voice recorder was also not switched on.
The report makes no reference to Bendigo-based company BB1544, which was listed as owning the plane at the time. Its sole director was businessman Christoper Richards, who was behind MyJet.
The final report – released on Monday morning – highlighted the “critical importance” of flight checklists.
“Cockpit checklists are an essential tool for overcoming limitations with pilot memory, and ensuring that action items are completed in sequence and without omission,” the report states.
“The improper or non-use of checklists has been cited as a factor in some aircraft accidents.
“Research has shown that this may occur for varying reasons and that experienced pilots are not immune to checklist errors.”
Corporate and Leisure Aviation was solely operated by the pilot, Max Quartermain.
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
