PZL-Mielec M-18A Dromader, Rebel Ag, VH-TZJ: Accident occurred October 24, 2013 in Ulladulla, Australia

NTSB Identification: WPR14WA029 
 Accident occurred Thursday, October 24, 2013 in Ulladulla, Australia
Aircraft: PZL OKECIE M18, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On October 24, 2013 about 1000 local time, a PZL M18A Dromader aircraft, Australian registration VH-TZJ, collided with terrain near Ulladulla, Australia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as an agricultural flight under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of Australia.

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Australia. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Government of Australia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)

P.O. Box 967, Civic Square

Canberra A.C.T. 2608

Australia

Tel: +612 6274 6054

Fax: +612 6274 6434

www.atsb.gov.au
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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has announced it has grounded all Dromader aircraft, one of Australia's key firefighting planes.

Pilot David Black, 43, was killed when his Dromader plane crashed two weeks ago at Wirritin, in Budawang National Park, near Ulladulla while fighting the New South Wales bushfires.

Reports said one wing fell off before the plane plummeted to the ground.

The Dromaders are used widely for crop dusting and for water bombing during the fire season.

A total of 30 planes, including eight in Victoria, have been grounded.

CASA says the grounding is to allow work to continue on safety issues relating to maintenance inspections and the operation of the aircraft.

"CASA is obtaining maintenance data and information from the Dromader operators. This will be carefully analyzed before Dromader flights resume," the organization said in a statement.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report in April highlighted safety concerns with the planes when they carry loads of more than 4.2 tonnes.

http://www.abc.net.au

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2013/aair/ao-2013-187.aspx 

In-flight breakup involving PZL Mielec M18A Dromader aircraft, VH-TZJ, 37 km west of Ulladulla, NSW on 24 October 2013