Details of deadly plane crash that left three dead revealed in new report

A new report gives insight into the final moments leading up to the tragic crash that left a father, son and their pilot dead in August this year.

An investigation has shed some light on the light aircraft crash that killed a father, son, and their pilot at Fernvale west of Brisbane in August.

A preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released on Monday suggests weather may have been a factor in the crash, with no evidence of instrument defects, mechanical malfunction or low fuel levels.

“The weather forecast at the time of the plane’s departure did indicate that the route was likely to be affected by reduced visibility, and that included low cloud, rain, and fog,” the Safety Bureau’s Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

Noah Strachan

Tom Strachan

“One of the witnesses at Fernvale did report seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude while heading east toward the ranges before it disappeared from view after being obscured by cloud.

“We know that this particular flight was being conducted under the visual flight rules, hence we are looking closely at what part weather played in this tragedy.”

Visual flight requires a pilot to use visual cues outside the aircraft, such as sighting buildings, trees and other geographical landmarks.

When visibility is low, flights must be conducted under instrument flight rules where the aircraft’s instruments are used to navigate a predetermined route.

Gary Liehm (R) was an experienced commercial pilot with almost 14,000 hours under his belt. Picture: Supplied.

The pilot, 63-year-old Gary Liehm, had almost 14,000 hours’ flying experience but had not been qualified for instrument flight since 2003.

“Although we know the pilot had in the past held an instrument rating, it hadn’t been current for almost 20 years,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The investigation is continuing and will include a further review of pilot records, medical information, maintenance, operator procedures, meteorological and recorded data.”

The Cessna light plane was headed to Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport when it crashed about 10.07am August 29 in the Lockyer Valley, killing Mr Liehm along with the two passengers on board: prominent Roma businessman Tom Strachan, 49, and his son Noah, 20.

Flight tracking shows the plane was making a right turn when the crash occurred. Source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau

Monday’s report shows the aircraft was flying over Lowood about 10am on the day of the crash, passing over a hill at a height of just 200ft above ground level.

The plane then climbed to 1000ft above ground while completing a 180-degree turn, progressing down a valley near Fernvale.

Shortly after, the plane descended to 600ft before banking right towards the D’Aguilar Range.

It was during this turn the aircraft quickly lost elevation, colliding with the trees and ground.

On-site examination of the wreckage indicated the engine had been providing power at the time of impact, with the debris trail extending 40m up the mountainous terrain.

The safety bureau’s transport safety director Stuart Macleod said the preliminary report focused on the facts, and would not offer analysis of what occurred.

“(This report) has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public, and contains no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the final report,” Mr Macleod said.

The full report is expected in early to mid-2023.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell says they are “looking closely at what part weather played” in the crash. Picture: Richard Walker