Plane crash report
Cause not yet clear from first findings
AN investigation into the crash of a plane off South Stradbroke Island in which two people were killed has revealed the aircraft was subject to a “high-speed impact”.
Pilot Marcel van Hattem and passenger Trista Applebee took off in his vintage Yak-52 aircraft from Southport Flying Club’s Coombabah airstrip on June 5 for a 30minute joy flight to celebrate her birthday.
A preliminary report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) yesterday revealed the aircraft had been subject to a maintenance inspection five days before the crash.
It also showed the aircraft had accumulated 1164.2 hours total time in service.
The report revealed Mr van Hattem had accumulated about 490 hours total flying experience, including 38 hours in VHPAE, and had received a spinning and aerobatic endorsement in January, according to his logbook.
He also had a current pilot’s licence as well as a Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate which was valid until May 1, 2021.
The report included images of the wreckage, showing a section of the left side of the fuselage and the tail section; a section of the right wing; two seat cushions; pneumatic system cylinders; and a number of wooden propeller pieces.
The items of wreckage recovered were taken to a secure facility by the Queensland Police Service for examination by the ATSB. “The initial examination found that the tail of the aircraft exhibited significant damage on the vertical and right horizontal stabilisers, and it had remained attached to the fuselage by flight control cables,” the preliminary report reads.
“The significant disruption to the aircraft was indicative of a high-speed impact.
“The ATSB removed a number of components from the wreckage for further examination, including various instruments from the fuselage section. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data or cockpit voice recorder, nor was it required to be.”
The ATSB has made no analysis or conclusions as it continues to investigate, focusing on a number of considerations including the recovered wreckage, aircraft maintenance documentation as well as Mr van Hattem’s qualifications, experience and medical history.
The ongoing investigation will also focus on weather conditions, witness observations, research and similar occurrences.
Mr van Hattem, a Dutch national who had been living on the Gold Coast and the father of two sons who live in The Netherlands, was described as “capable and friendly”, well liked and passionate about flying.
At the time of the accident, Mr van Hattem’s neighbour said he was a very adventurous person who loved flying.
“He absolutely loved flying,” the neighbour said. “He was a great neighbour and a very adventurous sort of guy.
“He was just a great guy and really well liked.”
Ms Applebee was said to be a loving mother to her 11-year-old daughter.