Qld: Fatal plane crash caused by poor maintenance: report

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2008
Qld: Fatal plane crash caused by poor maintenance: report

An investigation has found poor engine maintenance caused a fatal plane crash off the
New South Wales north coast early last year.

On February 4 .. 2007 .. a 61-year-old Gold Coast man died when his Twin Comanche plunged
into the ocean about 100 metres off Kingscliff Beach at Casuarina.

The pilot was conducting a maintenance flight .. but radioed for help when his right
engine failed just 11 minutes after takeoff.

He told air controllers he'd be unable to make it back to the airport .. saying he'd
attempt to land on a beach.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report released today has found the plane's left
engine experienced a surge in power shortly before the crash.

This forced the plane to uncontrollably veer right as the pilot attempted his landing.

Investigators have found the right engine failure was likely due to a loss of oil pressure
.. caused by a blockage or obstruction.

AAP RTV dmc/pjo/tm/jec/

KEYWORD: PLANE (BRISBANE)

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