Cairns – Lockhart River
Flight / Schedule
Cairns – Lockhart River
Aircraft
Cessna 404 TitanRegistration
VH-OZO
MSN
404-0653
Year of Manufacture
1980
Operator
Aero HireDate
March 11, 2020 at 09:20 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Plain, Valley
Crash Location
Lockhart River Queensland
Region
Oceania • Australia
Coordinates
-13.0453°, 143.3050°
Narrative Report
On March 11, 2020 at 09:20 AM, Cairns – Lockhart River experienced a crash involving Cessna 404 Titan, operated by Aero Hire, with the event recorded near Lockhart River Queensland.
The flight was categorized as charter/taxi (non scheduled revenue flight) and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a plain, valley crash site.
5 people were known to be on board, 5 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.
Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 4, passenger fatalities: 4, other fatalities: 0.
The twin engine aircraft departed Cairns on a charter flight to Lockhart River, carrying workers for the government. While descending to Lockhart River, the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions with rain falls and strong winds. A first approach to Lockhart River was abandoned and the pilot was forced to initiate a go-around. Few minutes later, while in a second attempt to land, the aircraft crashed on the Claudie Beach located about 4 km southeast of Lockhart River. All five occupants were killed.
Aircraft reference details include registration VH-OZO, MSN 404-0653, year of manufacture 1980.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately -13.0453°, 143.3050°.
Fatalities
Total
5
Crew
1
Passengers
4
Other
0
Crash Summary
The twin engine aircraft departed Cairns on a charter flight to Lockhart River, carrying workers for the government. While descending to Lockhart River, the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions with rain falls and strong winds. A first approach to Lockhart River was abandoned and the pilot was forced to initiate a go-around. Few minutes later, while in a second attempt to land, the aircraft crashed on the Claudie Beach located about 4 km southeast of Lockhart River. All five occupants were killed.
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
1
Passengers On Board
4
Estimated Survivors
0
Fatality Rate
100.0%
Known people on board: 5
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Cairns – Lockhart River
Operator
Aero HireFlight Type
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Plain, Valley
Region / Country
Oceania • Australia
Aircraft Details
Similar Plane Crashes
Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF
Avro 504
The crew was performing a training flight out from Point Cook. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft dove into the ground and crashed, bursting into flames. One pilot was killed instantly while the second one died few hours later. This was the first accident involving an aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force which was officially founded a week ago on March 31, 1921. Crew: Lt James Fryer-Smith, pilot Cpl Bertie W. Whicker, mechanic.
Western Australia Airways
Bristol Tourer
The crew was performing the inaugural flight from Geraldton to Derby which was considered as the first commercial flight within Australia. On approach to Kalbarri, the aircraft crashed for unknown reasons near the Murchinson River, killing both occupants. Crew: Ted Broad, Bob Fawcett.
O. Ramsay
Avro 504
During the takeoff roll, the pilot swerved the airplane to avoid two boys running across the runway. He lost control of the airplane that crashed near the beach. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were injured.
Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8
Crashed on takeoff for unknown reasons. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, there were no casualties.
Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8
En route from Charleville to Longreach, the pilot encountered technical problems and elected to make an emergency landing in Blackall. While the pilot was uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF
Avro 504
The pilot was performing a night training flight at Point Cook Airport. On final approach, he lost control of the aircraft that crashed near the airport. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.