South Australian aircraft crash highlights need for pilots to operate within licensing

CANBERRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The fatal crashing of a small aircraft while conducting low-level livestock spotting last June in South Australia highlights the importance of pilots to operate within their licensing limits, a government report said on Thursday.

The accident also demonstrates the importance of pilots managing airspeed and bank angle to avoid aerodynamic stalls, especially at low altitudes, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in its investigation report.

The Cessna 172 was observed diving toward a flock of sheep before pulling up, rolling left, and entering a low-altitude spin from which it did not recover, leading to one death, the report said.

The ATSB found no mechanical issues with the engine, controls, or fuel system, and ruled out medical incapacitation.

The pilot, who held a commercial license and low-level flying endorsement, lacked specific training for aerial mustering -- a method of gathering livestock such as cattle or sheep, using helicopters to drive them towards a desired location, a key factor in the accident. ■