Lack of engine power behind fatal plane crash in Broome, ATSB investigation finds
A lack of engine power caused a fatal plane crash in Broome in Western Australia's north, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has found.
Tasmanian pilot Adam Gaffney, 27, was killed when his Piper Seneca plummeted into sand dunes near Cable Beach moments after take-off in July 2012.
The flight was conducted at night under the instrument flight rules.
People who witnessed the aircraft take off reported hearing unusual noises from its engines during the climb.
Others closer to the crash site reported hearing the engine sound suddenly cut out before the plane banked left and descended steeply.
The wreckage was found in dunes about 880 metres beyond the runway threshold.
The report found take-off towards the ocean was conducted in dark night conditions with limited external visual cues.
The freight plane was bound for Port Hedland.
The ATSB investigation concluded reduced engine power slowed the plane's take-off speed, resulting in a loss of control, which caused the crash.
The report stated the crash highlighted the need for pilots to closely monitor their aircraft's airspeed and initial climb performance during take-off.
A post-accident examination revealed fuel valves may have been faulty, something which might not have been picked up during routine maintenance.
Piper Seneca owners and operators are being advised to regularly check the plane's fuel selector valves.