Update from RA Aus on Rockhampton incident

[cscotthendry]

I just received this in an email from RA Aus

 

RAAus wishes to advise our community that we are continuing to work with the police, the Coroner and the ATSB in regard to the dual fatal accident that occurred on 25 November 2016 at Hedlow involving John Cresswell and Jason Caswell.

 

The Queensland Police are leading this investigation with specialist independent support from an external contractor and RAAus as required. Given the structure of the investigation, RAAus is not able to provide any detailed advice to members.

 

We can assure members that the accident is being fully investigated, including an assessment of the engine, aircraft and wing components, as well as environmental and operational aspects. We are fully cooperating with and assisting the Queensland Police and Coroner's Office with a view to completely understanding the circumstances behind this tragic accident.

 

A final report will be produced in due course by the Queensland Coroner.

 

RAAus will continue to keep members informed as we have more news to share.

 

In essence they are just saying "We can't tell you anything about the crash" which I find frustrating on two counts;

 

1) Why send out a non-update update?

 

2) It seems like RA Aus don't tell us anything even if they DO find out something. For example, Do they know what caused Ross Millard's crash? What about Rob Pavan? I can think of other fatal crashes that have occurred and I'm not aware of feedback from RA Aus on any of them.

 

 

[rankamateur]

I share your frustration but it hasn't changed for the better any time in the last ten years. The non-update update is typical of people trying to justify their existence, when you work with them they always try to look busy.

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

We're told that it's an offence for anyone to release info before the final report from the coroner- so even if they are involved, RAA is supposed to remain silent. Despite this, our RAA has in recent years followed fatal accidents with a safety warning: presumably lessons learned from the accident.

 

 

[SDQDI]

Yes it is frustrating but legally their hands are tied.

 

At least they are trying, telling us nothing is telling us something in its own right. Previously notice has been given to highlight different things (Bowden cables, dual inspections) which one could presume to mean that particular thing was the cause of the fatal without actually breaking the law and saying so outright. I much prefer to receive email riddles regarding fatale rather than silence.

 

 

[Geoff13]

I have found most updates following accidents since joining RAA to be very informative and helpful.

 

Even the one above tells us plenty if you think about what is written and how.

 

And I say that even after being totally disgusted by how my own incident has been handled.

 

I would probably not even bother submitting another incident report

 

 

[GAFA]

If you look at fatal GA accidents investigated by the ATSB, they will at least provide a detailed factual report with 30 days even though the coroner is still investigating.

 

Changes need to be made so RAAus can provide a detailed factual report (once the facts are known), rather that waiting for the coroners report.

 

Factual reports do not have any analysis, causes or recommendations, but just the facts such as:

 

Aircraft serviceability prior to the accident

 

Pilot details

 

Airport details (if the crash occurred at an airport)

 

If an off airport crash, details of the crash site

 

W & B details

 

Weather at the time of the accident

 

Time of the accident (day or night)