Early report into fatal Shellharbour plane crash that killed three yet to determine cause
The initial report into the fatal light aircraft crash that killed three people at Shellharbour Airport last month identified no apparent cause for the incident.
Pilot Andrew Connors (55), his wife Julianne (54) and their friend Colin McLaughlin (73) died on October 11 when their Piper Cherokee Lance light plane crashed a few minutes after takeoff.
The trio were heading to the Bathurst 1000 race.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released a preliminary report into the incident on Friday, providing new details about what happened.
The light aircraft began taking off shortly before 10 a.m., suddenly pitched upwards, turned left, and then hit the ground three seconds after reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 50 ft.
The post-impact fire destroyed most of the fuselage.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said investigators had so far “not yet been able to determine why the aircraft pitched up and pitched before impacting terrain”.
“This preliminary report details factual information gathered during the early evidence gathering phase and does not include the findings or analysis that will be included in the final report,” he said.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the ATSB continues to further review and examine recorded data, as well as aircraft maintenance records, recovered aircraft components and the pilot’s medical records, qualifications and experience.”
The report states that no mechanical problems were detected at this stage and that there were no subsequent radio transmissions made by Mr Connors before take-off.
The report also included two photographs taken by an eyewitness at the scene showing the light aircraft rolling to the left moments before impact.
A Cessna pilot who took off shortly before Mr Connors told investigators winds were gusty, with light wind shear and moderate turbulence “common for Shellharbour Airport”.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation, estimated to be around mid-2026.
