Aviation watchdog responds to coroner’s plane crash recommendations

Fifteen years after 15 people died in one of Queensland’s worst air disasters, and following an inquest that recommended new safety features, another five people were killed in another major crash nearby. Now, a coroner has taken aim at the industry’s response.

An early warning system that could have prevented two of Queensland’s worst air crash disasters could soon be fitted in more planes with the aviation watchdog investigating a coroner’s recommendation to mandate the potentially lifesaving equipment.

Northern Coroner Nerida Wilson found that a 2020 plane crash at Lockhart River that claimed the lives of five people may have been prevented if the aircraft had been fitted with a Terrain Avoidance and Warning System (TAWS) which provides aural and visual alerts of impending terrain.

Disturbingly, an earlier 2007 inquest into another plane crash at Lockhart River in 2005 that killed 15 people found that the disaster could also have been avoided if the aircraft was fitted with TAWS.

Photograph showing wreckage at the crash site where a Fairchild Metroliner Commuter plane came down near the Lockhart River on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland in May, 2005. (AAP Image/Supplied)

In a mandatory response to the most recent inquest, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has now written to the coroner advising that from December, there is a requirement for all aircraft used for transport operations with 10 or more passenger seats to be fitted with TAWS.

The letter revealed the authority was also considering expanding those requirements for smaller aircraft.

“CASA will shortly commence detailed policy analysis on the safety benefits, and costs, of broadening these requirements to aeroplanes with 6 or more seats,” it said.

“This will include public consultation during 2024 to inform a decision on whether this recommendation should be implemented.”

Overview of the 2020 Lockhart River crash site. PICTURE: ATSB

CASA also advised it had implemented a number of other recommendations made by the coroner, including increased safety advice for pilots and changes to proficiency check procedures.

In her findings handed down in August, Coroner Wilson said while the circumstances of both plane crashes were different, it was “noteworthy” and “shocking” that 20 people had now died in plane crashes at Lockhart River.

“One cannot look at the five families who died at Quintell Beach in March 2020 and reassure them that all that could be done was done,” she wrote.

“Again, the time is long past due, some might say past due by the 16 years since the last Inquest arising from made an almost identical recommendation.”

Coroner Wilson said best practice in modern aviation “requires the best available safety equipment to be installed in aircraft of this type, particularly when used for commercial private charter operations”.

“The last line of defence for passengers and the pilot is with readily available and easily installed aural and visual warning systems,” she said.

“Industry pushback for what seems to be primarily monetary reasons is not a reason for this nations regulator to not mandate TAWS.

“TAWS is essential, available and commercially viable for all operators working in a charter fee for service space.”