Investigation finds fatal crash pilot flew too low during photographic run in 2014 Sydney to Hobart

THE findings into a fatal plane crash off the Tasman Peninsula during the 2014 Sydney to Hobart yacht race have been released.

THE findings into a fatal plane crash off the Tasman Peninsula during the 2014 Sydney to Hobart yacht race have been released.

Mt Nelson pilot Sam Langford, 29, and photographer, Tim Jones, 61, were killed when their Cessna 172 crashed into waters as they photographed the yacht fleet on December 29, 2014.

Airlines of Tasmania pilot Sam Langford.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau found the plane entered a spin as a result of a steep climbing turn, for which the pilot had not been trained, that stalled the upper wing.

The aircraft hit the water at an almost vertical angle, killing both occupants.

The manoeuvre followed a photographic run on a yacht at a height that was 15m to 30m lower than the airline was allowed to fly.

However, the report, released today, said “that in itself was not likely to have contributed to the accident”.

“There was insufficient height for the pilot to recover the aircraft,” the report states.

“The steep climbing manoeuvre was not in accordance with the pilot’s training for low-level flights.”

Cessna 172s that enter a stall or spin condition need significant height to recover.

Aircraft owner Airlines of Tasmania had been given a dispensation to fly down to 45m, but the ATSB found the operator had consistently flown down to a height of 15m to take photographs.

Photographer Tim Jones.

“While it was not established that the [company’s] safety risk management processes and practices directly contributed to the occurrence, there were aspects that the operator could consider working towards to more effectively identify all key operational risks,” the report said.

Airlines of Tasmania has since stopped low-level photography flights.

The company’s managing director Shannon Wells said: “While the report has found that the crash was not caused by any fault with the aircraft or our company’s operational procedures, we take seriously the opportunity to reflect on the cause of this accident, particularly the factors that led to the loss of life.

“We very much regret this sad loss – it is our first major incident in nearly 40 years of operation in Tasmania – and again we pass on our heartfelt condolences to Sam and Tim’s grieving families and friends.”