Safety watchdog rules out Kybong plane crash investigation

A safety watchdog says it will not investigate a fatal mid-air crash near Gympie, while Mayor Glen Hartwig has called questions about previous concerns at the aerodrome ‘callous’.

The transport safety watchdog is not investigating a an aircraft crash near Kybong which killed two men, saying it does not fall under its remit.

Australian Transport and Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said it was not looking into Wednesday’s incident, in which a glider and recreational plane collided in mid air.

The crash claimed the lives of a 77-year-old Glenwood man, and 80-year-old veteran Caboolture pilot Christopher “Bob” Turner.

Mr Mitchell said the crash fell outside its remit.

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“The ATSB does not investigate accidents and incidents involving most recreational, ultralight and sports aviation aircraft, including non-powered gliders, gyrocopters, hang gliders, paragliders and private hot air balloons,” Mr Mitchell said.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau will not investigate a crash at Kybong between two aircraft which killed two men, as the planes involved fell outside its remit. Picture Lachie Millard

He said the ATSB only investigates incidents involving the aircraft involved “on an exception basis, as its resources permit, where conducting such an investigation has the potential to highlight wider safety issues”.

“Sport aviation bodies conduct their own investigations into accidents involving their member’s aircraft,” Mr Mitchell said.

It would assist by providing technical services “where requested and as resourcing permits”.

“The ATSB empathises with the next of kin who have lost loved ones in this accident and are seeking answers as to how the accident occurred,” he said.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig extended his condolences to the families involved but took umbrage over questioning about concerns previously raised by authorities about the aerodrome.

The two pilots were killed when their planes collided early Wednesday afternoon, near the Kybong Aerodrome. Picture Lachie Millard

The council tightened safety measures at the aerodrome in 2017 amid revelations it had not been informed of a number of “near miss incidents” at the site.

Councillors were told there had been 12 close calls between 2012-2017.

These only came to light following discussions with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Councillor Mal Gear said at the time the authority “was really concerned” about what was going on.

“There are two families out there that are struggling with the loss of a loved one,” Mr Hartwig said.

“I think it’s pretty callous to be throwing that stuff around now.

“Let these families get through their loss, let the investigation occur.

“These professionals will make any recommendation that they feel is suitable.”

Gympie Regional Council tightened safety measures at the Kybong Aerodrome in 2017 after it was informed of a number of “near miss” incidents.

A CASA spokeswoman on Thursday declined to comment on the crash.

“It would be inappropriate to comment at this time,” she said.

There have been five aviation accidents near Gympie investigated by the ATSB in the past 12 years, government records show.

These include a fatal a crash on October 12 when a replica Supermarine Spitfire collided with the ground, a close call between a glider and a helicopter in December 2013, and a near collision between a plane and a motor glider in August 2016.