Ongoing mystery surrounds cause of Mathew Farrell’s plane crash death

The partner of an adventurer and filmmaker who died when his light plane crashed into dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast last year has questioned the police investigation.

Pilot, cameraman and photographer Mathew Farrell, 42, died in a plane crash near Tallangatta in Victoria's high country. Picture: Supplied

Mystery surrounds the death of a recreational pilot in Victoria’s High Country, with his partner raising concerns about the police investigation into the plane crash.

Filmmaker and adventurer Mathew Farrell was killed when the light plane he was flying solo crashed in dense bushland west of Lucyvale in Victoria’s northeast last year.

The Victorian Coroner’s Court on Thursday heard the 42-year-old Tawonga man was an experienced paraglider who learned to fly and was granted a recreational pilot’s certificate just months before his death.

At midday on September 18, Mr Farrell took off from Mount Beauty Airport in his recently purchased Jabiru J230 bound for Wollongong in NSW.

Flight recordings showed his speed dropped significantly and elevation rose before he crashed into mountainous terrain sometime between 12.41pm and 12.51pm.

A desperate search was launched after he failed to arrive at his scheduled destination, with the crash site not found until the following morning due to adverse weather.

Counsel Assisting the Coroner Lauren Bedggood said conditions were “marginal” at the time and questions remained as to whether Mr Farrell was flying to visual flight rules that required at least 5000m visibility.

Mathew Farrell died in a plane crash near Tallangatta. Picture: Supplied

His partner has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the police investigation. Picture: Supplied

The plane’s engine was largely intact and examinations later revealed it was operating at the time of the crash.

“To date investigations have revealed no indication of any mechanical fault or failure that could have caused or contributed to the crash,” Ms Bedggood said.

“No suspicious circumstances have been identified, and there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was intentional.”

The court heard Mr Farrell’s partner Karen Waller, who described him as a “meticulous planner”, was concerned about the police investigation and the sufficiency of pilot training he received.

“In particular, she has raised concerns … that she personally retrieved a number of important documents relating to the investigation and personal items of Mr Farrell’s from the crash site after police released control of the scene,” Ms Bedggood said.

“Ms Waller noted that Mr Farrell had very limited experience and training in powered aircraft before he was provided with his recreational pilot certificate.”

Ms Waller noted Mr Farrell had not completed the required hours for a recreational pilot certificate with cross country endorsement, saying it was a “grossly inadequate” safety standard.

Mr Farrell was an experienced photographer and filmmaker who had worked on various solo projects and larger productions with News Corp, ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9, Telstra and Getty.

Originally from Tasmania, Mr Farrell moved to Victoria to further his filmmaking career where he met Ms Waller who he planned to marry.

He also previously worked as polar guide, zodiac boat driver, paraglider and climbing guide.

Mr Farrell’s death will be subject to an inquest later this year.