CASA grounds Dromader M-18 planes after fatal NSW bushfire crash

THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority has now grounded 30 of the Dromader M-18 aircraft nationwide.

The crashed plane was reportedly an M-18 Dromader

THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority has widened its investigation into Dromader M-18 aircraft and has now grounded 30 of the planes nationwide.

A number of modified versions of the Polish-made, single-engine agricultural aircraft were taken out of service after a fatal crash of a similar plane during fire-fighting operations in NSW two weeks ago.

A witness reported seeing the aircraft's left wing separate and hit the tail before it slammed into the ground in Budawang National Park, about 40km west of Ulladulla. Pilot David Black, 43, was killed in the crash, described by NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons as "a huge tragedy".

The latest move also includes unmodified planes and was described by CASA as a precaution.

"The grounding is to allow work to continue on reviewing safety issues relating to maintenance inspections and the operation of the aircraft," the regulator said in a statement.

"CASA is obtaining maintenance data and information from the Dromader operators. This will be carefully analysed before Dromader flights resume."

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report released in April looked at three Dromader crashes over six years and identified safety issues regarding the operation of Dromader aircraft at take-off weights above 4,200 kg.

It is understood the latest investigation involves structural issues.