Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain crash, Sep 17, 1993 (6 killed)
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident on September 17, 1993 near Launceston, Tasmania, Australia with 6 fatalities. Cause: Per the ATSB (BASI)...
- Date: September 17, 1993
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
- Location: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
- Fatalities: 6
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Per the ATSB (BASI) report, the pilot's inexperience on type and in IFR approaches, the deteriorating weather, and poor decision-making to continue a visual circling approach led to an overwhelming workload and a rapid descent at low altitude. Passenger distraction is also mentioned, along with gaps in CAA endorsement standards.
A light twin carrying a football club group from Melbourne to Launceston was flown on an IFR plan but arrived into deteriorating cloud. After repeated attempts to get visual, the pilot tried a close visual circling approach at low altitude and struck a powerline and the ground. Six passengers died, and the pilot and others were seriously injured.