Merged: Single Engine Acft Prang - Brooker Hwy Hobart
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MVR...
I've got a small bit of time in that one...owned by Des H (one of the original Dr Millicer product delivery drivers, along with his brother....) who flew it from his property on the river and that darned uphill strip (regardless of wind direction)...to Frogs Hollow (between Bega and Wolumla) every w/end where we'd all gather of a Sunday arvo flying that, the skybolt (RIP Nile) and whatever ever else dropped in.....pure gold memories....All the best Des, Jim, Brian and the others if you'r reading this...I've never fogotton those true bush lessons learnt from true bush pilots.....
Stiky
I've got a small bit of time in that one...owned by Des H (one of the original Dr Millicer product delivery drivers, along with his brother....) who flew it from his property on the river and that darned uphill strip (regardless of wind direction)...to Frogs Hollow (between Bega and Wolumla) every w/end where we'd all gather of a Sunday arvo flying that, the skybolt (RIP Nile) and whatever ever else dropped in.....pure gold memories....All the best Des, Jim, Brian and the others if you'r reading this...I've never fogotton those true bush lessons learnt from true bush pilots.....
Stiky
Last edited by Stikybeke; 8th Apr 2010 at 04:44. Reason: Ahlzeimers...
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A comment on The Mercury website:
He's not a hero, he could have killed innocent children where he landed, he should have started the plane engine up again and landed at a designated airstrip instead of doing childish tricks to impress his family.Shame on you young man
Posted by: Christian Chandler of Otago Bay 7:41pm Thursday
Of course, it's all so obvious now - the pilot should have started the engine up again! And after he got the engine going again, he should have gone and landed at an airport. Why didn't he think to do that? What a silly pilot 
He's not a hero, he could have killed innocent children where he landed, he should have started the plane engine up again and landed at a designated airstrip instead of doing childish tricks to impress his family.Shame on you young man
Posted by: Christian Chandler of Otago Bay 7:41pm Thursday
Of course, it's all so obvious now - the pilot should have started the engine up again! And after he got the engine going again, he should have gone and landed at an airport. Why didn't he think to do that? What a silly pilot
Lets see April 1st was last week, likewise full moon last week, pension day was last week, must be national idiots day?
Is the wheel turning the hamster or the hamster turning the wheel in Otago bay?
Perhaps Christian could head up CASA flight training division and get the pilot training into shape?
Is the wheel turning the hamster or the hamster turning the wheel in Otago bay?
Perhaps Christian could head up CASA flight training division and get the pilot training into shape?
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a trainee pilot with the Australian Airforce was practising aerobatics when the engine stalled
he should have started the plane engine up again and landed at a designated airstrip instead of doing childish tricks
Although it is a long time since I was learning to drive, I can clearly recall stalling on many, many occasions. It was almost second nature, part of the moving off routine. Mirrors, indicate, stall, restart, etc
Surely trainee pilots experience the same thing, how you possibly forget such an instinctive reaction ?
Has anyone ever mentioned that we should be holding newspapers accountable for their reporting....... !! ?
Irresponsible 'published facts' just get the other clowns in society wound up.
As an aside, I have attended many accidents in my professional role.
Oh yes, the pilot's version of the events is definitely not worth reporting.
hmmmmm. eyebrows raised, sideways glances by all present generally..
If the Police are well out of their depth with any factual knowledge then the reporter may just as well just make it up.
Deadlines are deadlines, and headlines....!!
I have the NT News as my local paper.
You needn't ask if I would actually buy it !
I still don't understand what the youngster was doing, - aerobatics with a crocodile in the back seat.... and with a cyclone warning in force.
Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
Last edited by baron_beeza; 9th Apr 2010 at 02:30.
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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Just went to the Mercury website and read some of the comments posted in the blog concerning the incident.
Some of the posters claim to be pilots themselves. Is it just me or does anyone else have reasonable doubt that any of those posters have any flying experience other than being SLF?
Baron beeza;
Some of the posters claim to be pilots themselves.
Is it just me or does anyone else have reasonable doubt that any of those posters have any flying experience other than being SLF?Baron beeza;
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Investigation result
Plane crash cause revealed Today's News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
A ROOKIE pilot who dramatically crash-landed on one of Tasmania's busiest highways ran out of fuel, an aviation investigation has found.
Almost eight months after Patrick Humphries, 19, miraculously walked away without injury, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded the light aircraft's fuel gauge was faulty.
The investigation also revealed that a modified dip-stick, an out-of-date safety book and pilot error contributed to the crash which made international news.
Mr Humphries was praised as a hero pilot who dodged houses and cars before gliding under an overpass after the engine of his aircraft stalled on April 4.
But his crash sparked a furious debate about whether he should have been flying his plane so close to the city and led to his family publicly defending his actions.
The Australian Defence Force recruit had chartered the Victa Airtourer to practise aerobatics 3000 feet over Ralphs Bay, south-east of Hobart, before descending to take a scenic tour over Hobart.
His heart sank as the engine stalled at 10.20am, when he was flying at 1600 feet and travelling south towards the Tasman Bridge.
He considered crash-landing on sports fields before settling for the Brooker Highway, where he ducked an overpass, clipped an embankment and spun out of control near Clearys Gates.
The ATSB report, which is due for public release tomorrow, ends months of speculation.
The investigation revealed that when the engine stopped the fuel gauge indicated there was 55 litres of fuel left in the tank.
Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the false reading, but suggested that "wrinkles" in the bottom of the fuel tank could have contributed.
Investigators also found that modifications to the aircraft's dip-stick gave Mr Humphries a false reading of the fuel level and subsequent flight time when he took off from the Cambridge aerodrome.
The report said that had the aircraft's out-of-date Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive been relevant, any false reading could have been identified and fixed before the accident.
But the report also identified that Mr Humphries miscalculated the fuel by using figures that were not appropriate for the aircraft and engine combination.
"Application of the appropriate fuel consumption rates to the pilot's flights over the weekend showed that there was insufficient fuel on board for the occurrence flight," the report said.
Speaking from Canberra yesterday, Mr Humphries said he did not blame anyone for the accident.
"I accept that what happened has happened, I'm not angry about that," he said.
Mr Humphries said he was now focused on his ADF career, having just successfully completed his first year of study.
He said he hoped to have a successful career as a pilot once he graduated in 2012.
A ROOKIE pilot who dramatically crash-landed on one of Tasmania's busiest highways ran out of fuel, an aviation investigation has found.
Almost eight months after Patrick Humphries, 19, miraculously walked away without injury, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded the light aircraft's fuel gauge was faulty.
The investigation also revealed that a modified dip-stick, an out-of-date safety book and pilot error contributed to the crash which made international news.
Mr Humphries was praised as a hero pilot who dodged houses and cars before gliding under an overpass after the engine of his aircraft stalled on April 4.
But his crash sparked a furious debate about whether he should have been flying his plane so close to the city and led to his family publicly defending his actions.
The Australian Defence Force recruit had chartered the Victa Airtourer to practise aerobatics 3000 feet over Ralphs Bay, south-east of Hobart, before descending to take a scenic tour over Hobart.
His heart sank as the engine stalled at 10.20am, when he was flying at 1600 feet and travelling south towards the Tasman Bridge.
He considered crash-landing on sports fields before settling for the Brooker Highway, where he ducked an overpass, clipped an embankment and spun out of control near Clearys Gates.
The ATSB report, which is due for public release tomorrow, ends months of speculation.
The investigation revealed that when the engine stopped the fuel gauge indicated there was 55 litres of fuel left in the tank.
Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the false reading, but suggested that "wrinkles" in the bottom of the fuel tank could have contributed.
Investigators also found that modifications to the aircraft's dip-stick gave Mr Humphries a false reading of the fuel level and subsequent flight time when he took off from the Cambridge aerodrome.
The report said that had the aircraft's out-of-date Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive been relevant, any false reading could have been identified and fixed before the accident.
But the report also identified that Mr Humphries miscalculated the fuel by using figures that were not appropriate for the aircraft and engine combination.
"Application of the appropriate fuel consumption rates to the pilot's flights over the weekend showed that there was insufficient fuel on board for the occurrence flight," the report said.
Speaking from Canberra yesterday, Mr Humphries said he did not blame anyone for the accident.
"I accept that what happened has happened, I'm not angry about that," he said.
Mr Humphries said he was now focused on his ADF career, having just successfully completed his first year of study.
He said he hoped to have a successful career as a pilot once he graduated in 2012.
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A ROOKIE pilot who dramatically crash-landed on one of Tasmania's busiest highways ran out of fuel, an aviation investigation has found.
Almost eight months after Patrick Humphries, 19, miraculously walked away without injury, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded the light aircraft's fuel gauge was faulty.
The investigation also revealed that a modified dip-stick, an out-of-date safety book and pilot error contributed to the crash which made international news.
Mr Humphries was praised as a hero pilot who dodged houses and cars before gliding under an overpass after the engine of his aircraft stalled on April 4.
But his crash sparked a furious debate about whether he should have been flying his plane so close to the city and led to his family publicly defending his actions.
The Australian Defence Force recruit had chartered the Victa Airtourer to practise aerobatics 3000 feet over Ralphs Bay, south-east of Hobart, before descending to take a scenic tour over Hobart.
His heart sank as the engine stalled at 10.20am, when he was flying at 1600 feet and travelling south towards the Tasman Bridge.
He considered crash-landing on sports fields before settling for the Brooker Highway, where he ducked an overpass, clipped an embankment and spun out of control near Clearys Gates.
The ATSB report, which is due for public release tomorrow, ends months of speculation.
The investigation revealed that when the engine stopped the fuel gauge indicated there was 55 litres of fuel left in the tank.
Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the false reading, but suggested that "wrinkles" in the bottom of the fuel tank could have contributed.
Investigators also found that modifications to the aircraft's dip-stick gave Mr Humphries a false reading of the fuel level and subsequent flight time when he took off from the Cambridge aerodrome.
The report said that had the aircraft's out-of-date Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive been relevant, any false reading could have been identified and fixed before the accident.
But the report also identified that Mr Humphries miscalculated the fuel by using figures that were not appropriate for the aircraft and engine combination.
"Application of the appropriate fuel consumption rates to the pilot's flights over the weekend showed that there was insufficient fuel on board for the occurrence flight," the report said.
Speaking from Canberra yesterday, Mr Humphries said he did not blame anyone for the accident.
"I accept that what happened has happened, I'm not angry about that," he said.
Mr Humphries said he was now focused on his ADF career, having just successfully completed his first year of study.
He said he hoped to have a successful career as a pilot once he graduated in 2012.
Almost eight months after Patrick Humphries, 19, miraculously walked away without injury, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded the light aircraft's fuel gauge was faulty.
The investigation also revealed that a modified dip-stick, an out-of-date safety book and pilot error contributed to the crash which made international news.
Mr Humphries was praised as a hero pilot who dodged houses and cars before gliding under an overpass after the engine of his aircraft stalled on April 4.
But his crash sparked a furious debate about whether he should have been flying his plane so close to the city and led to his family publicly defending his actions.
The Australian Defence Force recruit had chartered the Victa Airtourer to practise aerobatics 3000 feet over Ralphs Bay, south-east of Hobart, before descending to take a scenic tour over Hobart.
His heart sank as the engine stalled at 10.20am, when he was flying at 1600 feet and travelling south towards the Tasman Bridge.
He considered crash-landing on sports fields before settling for the Brooker Highway, where he ducked an overpass, clipped an embankment and spun out of control near Clearys Gates.
The ATSB report, which is due for public release tomorrow, ends months of speculation.
The investigation revealed that when the engine stopped the fuel gauge indicated there was 55 litres of fuel left in the tank.
Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the false reading, but suggested that "wrinkles" in the bottom of the fuel tank could have contributed.
Investigators also found that modifications to the aircraft's dip-stick gave Mr Humphries a false reading of the fuel level and subsequent flight time when he took off from the Cambridge aerodrome.
The report said that had the aircraft's out-of-date Civil Aviation Safety Authority Airworthiness Directive been relevant, any false reading could have been identified and fixed before the accident.
But the report also identified that Mr Humphries miscalculated the fuel by using figures that were not appropriate for the aircraft and engine combination.
"Application of the appropriate fuel consumption rates to the pilot's flights over the weekend showed that there was insufficient fuel on board for the occurrence flight," the report said.
Speaking from Canberra yesterday, Mr Humphries said he did not blame anyone for the accident.
"I accept that what happened has happened, I'm not angry about that," he said.
Mr Humphries said he was now focused on his ADF career, having just successfully completed his first year of study.
He said he hoped to have a successful career as a pilot once he graduated in 2012.
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Investigation: AO-2010-025 - Total power loss - Victa Airtourer, VH-MTC, Hobart Tasmania, 4 April 2010
On 4 April 2010, the pilot of a Victa Airtourer 115 aircraft, registered VH-MTC was conducting a private visual rules return flight from Cambridge Aerodrome, Tasmania. The flight consisted of some aerobatics, followed by some sight-seeing over Hobart.
At about 1020, after the pilot commenced the return to Cambridge, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot conducted a forced landing onto a nearby road, seriously damaging the aircraft. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured.
The investigation found that the power loss was due to exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply.
A number of safety issues were identified concerning the measurement of the quantity of fuel on board, and consumed before and during the flight. Those issues contributed to the pilot's belief that there was more fuel on board the aircraft than was actually the case.
As a result of this accident the aircraft's type certificate holder, aircraft owner's association and the aircraft's operator have undertaken a number of safety actions. Those actions include a number of pilot education initiatives and the amendment of the operator's maintenance processes to ensure compliance with all airworthiness directives.
In addition, the aircraft's type certificate holder is undertaking a number of enhancements in response to an unrelated Civil Aviation Safety Authority-initiated review of aspects of the aircraft's fuel system and concerns about the aircraft's original fuel system certification process.
On 4 April 2010, the pilot of a Victa Airtourer 115 aircraft, registered VH-MTC was conducting a private visual rules return flight from Cambridge Aerodrome, Tasmania. The flight consisted of some aerobatics, followed by some sight-seeing over Hobart.
At about 1020, after the pilot commenced the return to Cambridge, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot conducted a forced landing onto a nearby road, seriously damaging the aircraft. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured.
The investigation found that the power loss was due to exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply.
A number of safety issues were identified concerning the measurement of the quantity of fuel on board, and consumed before and during the flight. Those issues contributed to the pilot's belief that there was more fuel on board the aircraft than was actually the case.
As a result of this accident the aircraft's type certificate holder, aircraft owner's association and the aircraft's operator have undertaken a number of safety actions. Those actions include a number of pilot education initiatives and the amendment of the operator's maintenance processes to ensure compliance with all airworthiness directives.
In addition, the aircraft's type certificate holder is undertaking a number of enhancements in response to an unrelated Civil Aviation Safety Authority-initiated review of aspects of the aircraft's fuel system and concerns about the aircraft's original fuel system certification process.
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The wreckage was sold by the insurance company to another Victa owner who intends utilising it for what spares he can get from it. He also intends rebuilding the engine and using it to replace his present donk. The aircraft had been modified to take a 150 hp engine which is what he principally wanted.
The fuselage was in surprisingly good shape despite having a wing torn off although there was some damage around the wing root area. The canopy, for example, still moved on its tracks without any binding or jamming. As the engine was not turning over at the time of impact there may not be a lot of internal damage, however, the prop was hit and will be a write-off so I expect bearings may also have been damaged.
The fuselage was in surprisingly good shape despite having a wing torn off although there was some damage around the wing root area. The canopy, for example, still moved on its tracks without any binding or jamming. As the engine was not turning over at the time of impact there may not be a lot of internal damage, however, the prop was hit and will be a write-off so I expect bearings may also have been damaged.
