Plane Crashed In Gulf `just Four Minutes From Safety'
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday June 28, 2000
The ill-fated Whyalla Airlines plane was just four minutes from safety when it plunged into the Spencer Gulf, killing all eight on board, a report reveals.
The interim report into the May 31 tragedy was released yesterday by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
It said the 21-year-old pilot, Mr Ben Mackiewicz, believed both engines had failed soon after 7pm just eight minutes before his expected arrival at Whyalla.
Investigators believe Mr Mackiewicz, who died with his seven passengers, would have been able to see the lights of the city in the distance as he struggled to keep his Piper Chieftan aloft for 15 nautical miles. But he failed four minutes later.
The report, which does not suggest a reason for the crash, said the plane had left Adelaide at 6.23pm with a full tank of fuel.
There was cloud cover and some drizzle, but turbulence was only light to moderate and there was no icing predicted at the 6,000 feet (1,824 metre) altitude Mr Mackiewicz was intending to fly.
``After take-off the pilot contacted the Adelaide approach radar controller who vectored the aircraft a short distance to the west of Adelaide for traffic avoidance purposes," the report said. ``The pilot was then cleared to track direct to Whyalla at 6,000 feet.
``The aircraft was subsequently transferred to Melbourne Air Traffic Services Centre.
``At 6.55pm the pilot was told that radar services were terminated and to contact Adelaide Flight Service.
``At 6.56pm the pilot reported to Flight Service that the aircraft was 35 nautical miles south, south-east of Whyalla, at top of descent from 6,000 feet, and estimating Whyalla at 7.08pm.
``Examination of recorded data indicated radar contact with the aircraft ceased at 7pm at an altitude of 4,260 feet."
At 7.01pm, Mr Mackiewicz issued a mayday call reporting double engine failure and said he was going to have to ditch in Spencer Gulf.
``He reported that his position was about 15 nautical miles off the Whyalla coast and requested help be sent and for the company to be advised," the report said.
``[Adelaide] Flight Service subsequently asked if the aircraft was continuing to track straight to Whyalla, or heading for the coast. The pilot advised he was heading straight for Whyalla."
ATSB said radar contact with the Piper Chieftain had been lost about a minute before the mayday call and at that stage the plane was on descent, about 4,260 feet.
At 7.03pm, Adelaide Flight Service requested the pilot of a nearby Pilatus PC-12 aircraft to divert to the stricken aircraft's position.
A minute later, Mr Mackiewicz reported he was 15 nautical miles from Whyalla and was told that if he lost radio contact he could transmit through the Pilatus pilot who was on the same frequency.
His acknowledgment to that transmission was the last recorded radio contact with the Whyalla Airlines plane.
How the Wyalla flight went down
7.04pm
Pilot advised by Flight Service that if he loses radio contact he can transmit through nearby Pilatus PC-12 aircraft on same frequency. His acknowledgement of this is his last contact.
6.56pm
Pilot reports position, estimates arrival at 7.08pm.
7.01pm
Pilot sends MAYDAY to Adelaide Flight Service, reporting two engine failures. Advises he is heading straight to Whyalla.
May 31, 6.23pm (CST)
Departs Adelaide. After contacting Adelaide radar controller, pilot is given all clear to track to Whyalla at 6,000ft.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald
