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ATSB reveals Katherine Aviation plane had wing torn off before Christmas Eve crash

More findings from the investigation into the crash that killed two people on Christmas Eve have been released, with a former tropical cyclone likely to have played a part.

The tropical low that remained over the Top End during December 24 was evident near the flight path of the Cessna 210. Picture: Supplied
The tropical low that remained over the Top End during December 24 was evident near the flight path of the Cessna 210. Picture: Supplied

The wing of a Katherine Aviation charter flight that crashed and killed the two people on board was torn off during the flight, an ATSB report has revealed.

Gladstone pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, and his 43-year-old female passenger died in the crash on Christmas Eve 2022.

The preliminary report also said thunderstorm activity from former tropical cyclone Ellie was evident in the region near Bulman where it crashed..

Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, was killed when his light plane Cessna 210N went missing on Christmas Eve, 2022. The plane was found in dense bushland near Bulman 240km, north east of Katherine.
Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, was killed when his light plane Cessna 210N went missing on Christmas Eve, 2022. The plane was found in dense bushland near Bulman 240km, north east of Katherine.

The weather conditions, as well as pilot’s training and flight procedures were all being investigated as a potential cause of the fatal incident.

“The ATSB’s on-site examination of the wreckage and accident site identified that the location of aircraft’s right wing, approximately 300 metres before the primary point of ground contact, indicated that it had separated from the fuselage in flight, while aircraft components were spread over a distance of 80 metres,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said

The right wing was located away from the rest of the plane, indicating it was ripped off before the crash. Picture: ATSB
The right wing was located away from the rest of the plane, indicating it was ripped off before the crash. Picture: ATSB

“Closer examination of the right wing showed extensive permanent deformation of the wing surface with associated compression rippling to the upper skin.

“The damage was indicative of substantial upward bending forces applied to the wing prior to its failure and separation from the aircraft.”

Aerial view of the accident site showing the spread of wreckage. Picture: ATSB
Aerial view of the accident site showing the spread of wreckage. Picture: ATSB

The Cessna 210N was reported missing after it failed to arrive at Tindal Airport on December 24.

A search aircraft located the debris in dense bushland on Christmas Day.

“To date, the ATSB has examined the accident site and wreckage, interviewed personnel associated with the operation of the aircraft, collected meteorological and air traffic control radar data, and reviewed the aircraft maintenance and pilot records,” Mr Macleod said.

The report detailed that because of the remote nature of the crash, no witnesses had come forward.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/atsb-reveals-katherine-aviation-plane-had-wing-torn-off-before-christmas-eve-crash/news-story/5991e6e340a5f9f0e559d05043786d92