Beattie, Christian Paul

Contributing factors

• gross over-speed of aircraft in uncontrolled descent
• possible pilot incapacitation from carbon monoxide inhalation
• possible pilot incapacitation from striking head on canopy in turbulence
• inadequate preservation of accident scene and wreckage
• lack of standardised investigation procedures for experimental aircraft when ATSB declines involvement
• poor documentation and coordination of wreckage evidence
• weather damage to fractured surfaces complicating forensic analysis

Coroner's recommendations

1. Queensland Police Service should conduct a review of policies and procedures outlined in section 17.3.3 of the Queensland Police Operations Procedures Manual with a view to putting in place appropriate policy and procedures to deal with occasions where the ATSB declines to conduct on-site investigation or provide information to assist the investigating officer
2. Consideration should be given to the establishment of a guidance handbook and a list of names of persons and organisations who are suitably qualified to assist in investigating aircraft accidents for use by police officers
3. Any steps in this direction should be taken in consultation with CASA and the ATSB
4. Improved procedures for preservation of accident scenes to minimise weather and environmental damage to evidence
5. Development of standardised procedures for documentation and coordination of wreckage evidence at accident scenes