Friend, RS; Young, ER - Non-inquest findings
Deceased
Robin Samuel Friend, Errol Reginald Young
Demographics
unknown
Date of death
2015-02-10
Finding date
2018-05-31
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in mid-air collision between two recreational aircraft
AI-generated summary
Two recreational pilots, aged 72 and 68, died in a mid-air collision near Townsville on 10 February 2015. The Thruster aircraft's propeller severed the Drifter aircraft's left wing support wires, causing the Drifter's left wing to fold and become uncontrollable. The Thruster's propeller then disintegrated, causing engine over-revving that rendered that aircraft uncontrollable. Both aircraft broke up before impact. The coroner could not determine the precise movements leading to collision but noted both aircraft were flying in company about 50m apart, with deteriorating weather and challenging terrain as potential contributing factors. The coroner commended RAA's draft 'Flying in Company' guidance emphasizing separation, communication, and contingency planning to mitigate risks of close-proximity flying.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Flying in company at close proximity (50m separation)
- Deteriorating weather with mist and rain
- Rising and changing terrain
- Propeller of Thruster aircraft severing Drifter's left wing support wires
- Loss of aircraft control following structural failure
Coroner's recommendations
- RAA to distribute 'Flying in Company' publication to membership emphasizing hazards of flying in company and strategies for mitigation including maintaining separation, frequent communication, and contingency planning for loss of contact/sight
- RAA to engage with CASA and ATSB regarding amendment of Australian Transport Safety Investigations Act to provide accredited entities such as RAA with equivalent powers and legal protections afforded to ATSB when conducting safety investigations
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