Preliminary report shows plane that crashed off South Stradbroke subject to ‘high-speed impact’

A preliminary report into the fatal crash of a plane off South Stradbroke Island has revealed chilling details about the aircraft’s final moments.

THE investigation into the crash of a plane off South Stradbroke Island in which two people were killed has revealed the aircraft was subject to a “high-speed impact”.

Pilot Marcel van Hattem and friend Trista Applebee took off in his vintage Yak-52 aircraft from Southport Flying Club’s Coombabah airstrip on June 5 for a 30-minute joyflight to celebrate her birthday.

The preliminary report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released today revealed the aircraft had been subject to a maintenance inspection five days prior to the accident.

It also showed the aircraft had accumulated 1,164.2 hours’ total time in service.

The report reveals Mr van Hattem had accumulated around 490 hours total flying experience, including 38 hours in VH-PAE and had received a spinning and aerobatic endorsement in January, according to his logbook.

He also had a current pilot’s license as well as a Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate which was valid until 1 May 2021.

An image of the wreckage released in the report.

PILOT DESCRIBED AS CAPABLE AND FRIENDLY

The report also included images of the wreckage, showing a section of the left side of the fuselage and the tail section; a section of the right wing; two seat cushions; pneumatic system cylinders; and a number of wooden propeller pieces.

The items of wreckage recovered were taken to a secure facility by the Queensland Police Service for examination by the ATSB.

“The initial examination found that the tail of the aircraft exhibited significant damage on the vertical and right horizontal stabilisers, and it had remained attached to the fuselage by flight control cables,” the preliminary report reads.

“The significant disruption to the aircraft was indicative of a high-speed impact.

“The ATSB removed a number of components from the wreckage for further examination, including various instruments from the fuselage section. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data or cockpit voice recorder, nor was it required to be.”

Trista Applebee was the passenger in the plane.

Marcel van Hattem was a respected pilot.

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The ATSB have made no analysis or conclusions as it continues to investigate the crash, focusing on a number of considerations including the recovered wreckage, aircraft maintenance documentation as well as Mr van Hattem’s qualifications, experience, and medical history.

The ongoing investigation will also focus on weather conditions, witness observations,

research and similar occurrences.

Mr van Hattem, a Dutch National living on the Gold Coast, was described a “capable and friendly” guy who was passionate about flying.

CRASH MUM 'LIT UP A ROOM'

Where the plane was found.

PILOT DIDN'T FILE FLIGHT PLAN

The joyflight with young mother Ms Applebee, 31, took off from the airstrip at around 9.45am that morning and was to include a low-level scenic flight north along the coast from Broadbeach to the Jumpinpin channel area, and then seawards off Jumpinpin for some aerobatic manoeuvres, before returning.

The Yak-52 plane which crashed off South Stradbroke Island.

Ms Applebee’s friend was waiting at the airfield to complete a similar trip afterwards. At around 1pm, the friend asked staff if they had heard anything and they then contacted Airservices Australia about the overdue aircraft.

At 2pm, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue co-ordination Centre initiated search and rescue operations.

The wreckage of the plane and the bodies of Mr van Hattem and Ms Applebee were subsequently recovered.