[Peetwo]

Popinjay to the rescue with tragic Appin Glasair crash??- 

Via Illawarra Mercury:

Chief Commissioner of the Transport Safety Bureau Angus Mitchell addresses the media after the fatal plane crash at Appin on Boxing Day.

Video by Rosie Bensley

Also via the other Aunty: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-27/i.../101809910

Hmm...perhaps shades of his predecessor HVH but why the hell is Popinjay being the media front man to this accident?

..Mr Mitchell said it had been a particularly tragic Christmas for a number of families after his team were called out to another fatal small plane crash.

"This is the second fatal aircraft accident we have deployed to in as many days," he said.

"Unfortunately this year has been one of the worst years on record for light plane fatalities, we're up to 23 fatal accidents this year."

I totally agree with the decision for the ATSB to investigate this accident. Maybe the penny has dropped with Popinjay that the ATSB has some serious credibility issues in regards to the inconsistencies in prioritising aviation accident investigation and the fact they now have a mini epidemic occurring in fatal light aircraft accidents?

Remember that Popinjay said this in relation to refusing to investigate the Gympie midair collision accident:

“We understand the perceived inconsistency regarding the ATSB’s response to these occurrences, and I welcome this opportunity to clarify these decisions, which are in line with our Ministerial Statement of Expectations," he said.

“The propeller loss occurrence related to the manufacture, design and/or maintenance of the aircraft itself. As Australia is the state of design and state of manufacture for the Jabiru aircraft, and there are aircraft of the same type on the VH register, and operating overseas, the ATSB investigated the occurrence to determine if there were broader lessons for the aircraft type.

“In contrast, the Kybong mid-air collision was an operational event, involving an RA-Aus registered kit plane manufactured in the Czech Republic, and a VH-registered–but unpowered–glider, which was also not designed or manufactured in Australia.

"Neither of these aircraft therefore fall under the ATSB’s standard remit for investigation.

Let's unpack that? To begin we all now that Popinjay's reference to the Ministerial SoE is a furphy and in reality if the ATSB required extra funding to conduct investigations into an unforeseen series of fatal light aircraft crashes then the Minister of the day will facilitate that funding:

I expect that in performing its functions, the ATSB will provide timely advice to Government when the costs of necessary investigation activities are likely to exceed established ATSB budget levels, so that consideration can be given to the need for budget supplementation.

I expect that the Chief Commissioner will keep the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (Department) and myself informed of the ATSB's actions in relation to the requirements stated in this SOE and promptly advise about any events or issues that may impact on the operations of the ATSB, including through the provision of timely quarterly progress reports against the Corporate Plan and this SOE.

I expect the ATSB to perform its functions consistent with Australia's international obligations where appropriate, including the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

 

Next the bollocks statement about the Jabiru accident..

"..As Australia is the state of design and state of manufacture for the Jabiru aircraft, and there are aircraft of the same type on the VH register, and operating overseas, the ATSB investigated the occurrence to determine if there were broader lessons for the aircraft type.."

Hmm...so why has Popinjay refused to investigate the Caiguna Jabiru fatal accident? Popinjay flips the bird (again) at RAAus Pilot fatal

Finally..

"..involving an RA-Aus registered kit plane manufactured in the Czech Republic, and a VH-registered–but unpowered–glider, which was also not designed or manufactured in Australia..."

Hmm...so what's the difference here?

IMO it's high time that the Government legislated that any fatal or serious injury aviation accident shall be at least preliminary investigated IE to a 30 day prelim/interim report &/or discontinue statement.

MTF...P2