Mallard Down in Perth
 

A Mallard just crashed into the Swan River in Perth. I just saw it happen. Turning from downwind to tight left base lining up for a landing. It looked too slow, turn got steep and in it went, almost wingtip first, it's hot, busy and crowded.

Story - with decent video surprisingly - available on the PerthNow website.

Mallard Down in Perth
 

Looks like a Grumman Mallard has spun into the Swan River at Skyshow.

Very sad images on online media.

The crash happened in front of tens of thousands of spectators gathering for the Australia Day fireworks display; which fireworks are launched from barges on the Swan River.

Not sure if the weather had a hand in the aircraft performance here, it has been an absolutely stinker of a day, with Perth recording a maximum of 42°C at 14:09Hrs and the temperature still on 39° at 17:00Hrs, around the time of the crash.

News media is now reporting the pilot is deceased. Certainly didn't appear to be a survivable crash, and the aircraft has been totally destroyed. The Swan is quite shallow in the area, he would have impacted the river bed.

I think you'll find that it's VH-CQA.

Looks bad. Thoughts with the crew and families and all the witnesses. Very traumatic.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/34277136...ky-show/#page1

Reports are that there were 2POB, and neither have surfaced, so it can be presumed that there are 2 fatalities.

Thank goodness they didn't crash into a pile of boats, the Swan River is normally bumper-to-bumper with boats at this time of day, on Australia Day.

Tonights Australia Day celebrations and fireworks show in Perth have reportedly been cancelled due to the crash.

Unfortunately, 2 fatalities reported.

Ch 7 NEWS just announcing that the traditional fireworks display for tonight on the Swan River has been cancelled due to the crash / WA Police refer.

Sad all around.......

7 and Perth Now reporting that police have confirmed 2 fatalities.

I think you will find it is VH-CQA.

Ah bugger it! Happened about the same time as I was posting a photo of the aircraft, taken down at Evans Head. I've just had friends from WA confirm that CQA was listed on the display program and it didn't appear to be a turbine, so...

As stated above it's Vh-CQA, a privalety owned Mallard based on the east coast.

Griffo, gidday sorry it's in these circumstances ..

Just reported on 7News that both occupants have died, Skyworks display has been cancelled.

Dreadful business. Both passed away. It effects all pilots and aircrew, at a loss like this.

Reasonable coverage on this site:
https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/light...-ng-b88367876z

just watched quite a few vids of the incident, and from reports, no engine issues, but looks like a G stall while trying to tighten up the turn at low level. other witneses reporting he was getting close to edge of the display box, and tightened the turn to avoid going outside of the box.

That is certainly some confronting and graphic footage. Such a terrible shame and end to what would have been a great day for everyone.

Very hot 43C day here in Perth,

All comments above correct. Seen the footage shot from behind the turn, looked like a descending turn, steepened up part way through., then left wingtip water contact and cartwheel/ break up. No dramatic attitude changes or sudden movements visible in the clips Ive seen so far.
Bloody tragic. :{