Fatal ultra-light crash - Western NSW

[Guest Fred Bear]

19/11/06

 

A man has died after an ultra-light plane crash in the state’s west last night.

 

About 6.45pm the ultra-light aircraft was being flown in the Bogan Gate

 

Road area, about 50km west of Parkes, when it crashed into powerlines.

 

The ultra-light then crashed to the ground with debris being strewn over a 200 metre area.

 

The pilot, a 40-year-old Forbes man, suffered severe leg, chest and head injuries and died at the scene.

 

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

Very true Chris. I posted not long ago about this very issue.

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1954&KW=powerlines

 

 

[Guest danda]

Chris I just checked out your link and you to are a blessed man, you have the 3 greatest gifts of all Praise the lord for your little family.

 

 

Don

 

 

[Student Pilot]

Anybody hear about another fatality in Northern NSW?

 

 

[Ultralights]

My Condolences to all friends and relatives involved...

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

This pilot was flying his Jabiru on a Westerly heading (into the sun) and came in contact with the powerlines. It just shows us the dangers of flying low level with powerlines about. A lesson to be learnt from these accidents.

 

 

[Ben Longden]

This is a press release from Country Energy, as published in the Parkes Champion Post, Friday Nov 24.

 

Urgent reminder - fly safely near powerlines

 

Country Energy has issued an urgent safety alert cautioning pilots to avoid flying near overhead powerlines.

 

The warning follows two incidents reported to Country Energy - one in which an ultra-light plane hit power lines near Bogan Gate, resulting in the death of a Parkes businessman - and another incident elsewhere in the state, where light planes have crashed after coming into contact with powerlines.

 

Country Energy's chief safety officer, Mark Mulligan said the recent incidents served as a stark reminder of the potential danger posed by overhead powerlines and aerial activity.

 

"Country Energy has 195,000 kilometres of powerlines across 95 per cent of NSW - pre-flight planning and briefing by pilots of low level aircraft is essential," Mark said.

 

"Pilots, and property owners engaging pilots for aerial operations, need to be aware of the location of all overhead lines in the area where they intend to fly and remain vigilant during the flight, especially with low level operations.

 

"Country Energy is keenly aware of the need for pilot vigilance - we use aircraft to patrol our own powerlines."

 

The installation of powerline markers which are visible day and night, play a vital role in drawing attention to the position of overhead lines and should be installed as part of normal safety precautions.

 

Country Energy recommends that as part of the pre-flight hazard identification process, a ground based pre-flight assessment is carried out, even when flying in familiar territory, as new powerlines may not always be shown on existing maps.

 

Pilots can obtain a copy of maps detailing the location of our powerlines by calling 13 23 56. To report an incident involving an overhead powerline contact Country Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

Sounds as though some of those powerline maps are the go;)

 

 

[Admin]

As posted in the powerlines thread I need some more information on where power lines that are next to airstrips do not have balls on them - still progressing the matter.