'Light Aircraft' missing - Katoomba

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

From the news service -

Search underway for light plane missing in NSW Blue Mountains (http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/search-underway-for-light-plane-missing-in-nsw-blue-mountains/ar-BBq4OWm?ocid=spartandhp)

Plenty of 'Tiger Country' in the Katoomba vicinity - especially in the 'circuit area' of the strip, to the N of the town....

[donpizmeov]

I think Dick will be able to prove the RAAF were responsible for this.

That wasn't your smartest comment donpizmeov!!!

donpizmeov!!! :=

:mad:

Tail Wheel

[gerry111]

Tragically another fatality.

[roundsounds]

A highly experienced old timer GA aviator.

[roundsounds]

Rod taught many Sydney-ites to fly over the years out of Hoxton Park.
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-28/pilot-of-missing-light-plane-found-dead-in-blue-mountains/7205766

[RenegadeMan]

I have some dual hours in my log book in the distant past with Rod. I can't remember the specifics, a BFR or aircraft checkout (or two). What I do remember though is what a gentle soul he was and how thorough was his knowledge and his instructing style. I thought he was so good at communicating and making the student feel at ease I had him give my wife a "how to take over flying the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated" lesson. I remember he had her land (a Beechcraft Sundowner) during the one hour lesson which amazed her and gave her a boost in confidence that she'd know what to do if I was ever incapacitated.

One of the gentlemen of GA. He'll be missed by many.

[Xray Tango]

And after we're all been watching the you tube with the Qld Politician VS Mr Skidmore re lifting the Jabiru restrictions and the Qld Minister insisting the "engine issues" are all sorted this happens ! Very sad, not good. Certainly gives the regulator more ammo.

[Ultralights]

in this situation, it could have been a variety of causes, medical, weather? cloud was 4/8ths.
Last time i spoke to Rod was taking the Savannah up to YKAT for a chat and catchup.
He will be missed by many, though he has left a great legacy for the general aviation community in Oz.

[Squawk7700]

And after we're all been watching the you tube with the Qld Politician VS Mr Skidmore re lifting the Jabiru restrictions and the Qld Minister insisting the "engine issues" are all sorted this happens !

I'm sceptical and can't help but feel that it doesn't look like an engine failure. The "theory" is to put her down in the trees gently at stall speed, 40 knots? The pictures from initial glances don't seem to portray this type of event. It was reported that the weather was not good enough to conduct a search, so there may be a bit more to this rather than engine failure, but only time will tell. Not being GA registered we may not hear the cause publically.

[Jetjr]

it was a Type Cert version however, so engine tested and certificated under CASA oversight

[Ultralights]

message from Raaus Accident at Katoomba Airport 27 February 2016

RAAus is saddened to advise members of the death of Mr Rod Hay. Mr Hay died in an accident at Katoomba Airport on 27 February 2016 involving Jabiru 55-3692.

The damage to nearby trees in conjunction with the extensive damage to the propeller and lack of visible external damage to the engine indicates the engine appeared to be operating at impact. To fully examine the engine, RAAus is conducting a supervised engine tear down with officials from ATSB and Jabiru.

The control systems of the aircraft were all confirmed as connected to key points after impact and all damage is consistent with impact damage.

At present our preliminary assessment of the evidence appears to support a possible loss of control with the cause as yet undetermined. RAAus will continue to work with authorities on the investigation and advise members again once we have more information.


I think that this fairly timely and reasonably adequate initial report on a very sad and disturbing occurrence is a sign that RAA has recognised that Members have a genuine need for reasonable advice in the case of serious accidents. The quick response after the Moruya accident was better information than we have had out of RAA for some years and the people in RAA involved are to be thanked, I believe, for this significant improvement in communications.

It has also been a relief that this particular thread has not instantly degenerated into formula 'Jabiru' bashing posts and everybody has been respectful and reticent to assume a position on the initial report.

It is - in my belief - a good step forward that ATSB is involved, so we may get the results of trained, expert accident investigation.

RIP Rod Hay - the type of stalwart of the RAA movement.

[gerry111]

Jabiru ST3 55-3692 was build number 0062 first appearing on the register in 2006.