ASN Aircraft accident Bristol 170 Freighter 21E VH-SJQ Cape Paterson, VIC
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Status:Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Date:Saturday 10 May 1975
Time:02:18
Type:Silhouette image of generic B170 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Bristol 170 Freighter 21E
Operator:Air Express
Registration: VH-SJQ
MSN: 12807
First flight:
Total airframe hrs:9526
Crew:Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Passengers:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Aircraft fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:4,6 km (2.9 mls) SE off Cape Paterson, VIC (   Australia)
Phase: En route (ENR)
Nature:Cargo
Departure airport:Melbourne-Essendon Airport, VIC (MEB/YMEN), Australia
Destination airport:Launceston Airport, TAS (LST/YMLT), Australia
Narrative:
A Bristol 170 Freighter 21E cargo plane was destroyed when it crashed at sea off Cape Paterson, Australia. Both crew members were killed.
The flight departed Melbourne-Essendon Airport (MEB) shortly after about 00:50 at night on an over water flight to Launceston Airport (LST) on the island of Tasmania. It was carrying 4200 kg of mixed freight.
At 01:45 hours VH-SJQ advised the Melbourne Flight Service Unit (FSU) "we have an engine failure on the port side, we have it feathered and are returning to Melbourne." At 01:51 hours the flight advised the Melbourne FSU "we are making a slow descent to one five zero zero" and, in answer to a query, reported "we're unable to maintain our height with our rated power".
The pilot was given vectors for Wonthaggi. The altitude of 1500 feet also could not be maintained. The crew continuously transmitted their position relative to Wonthaggi. A mayday call was issued at 02:15, at which time one of the altimeters was already displaying zero feet. The airplane struck the surface of the sea shortly afterwards. It broke up and sank to a depth of 40 m.
The cause of the accident could not be established. Weight and centre of gravity were within limits. Analysis of the information available indicates that the flight profile flown by VH-SJQ is compatible with the aircraft having been flown at an indicated airspeed of 95 knots, and a power output from the starboard engine of 1250 BHP, i.e. 26 per cent less than the normal maximum power available in the conditions which prevailed. The conditions were not conducive to the formation of airframe or carburettor icing, and search aircraft in the area did not encounter any such icing.

Probable Cause:

CAUSE: "The cause of the accident has not been determined."

Classification:
Cause undetermined
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Water

Photos

photo of Bristol-170-Freighter-31-VH-SJQ
accident date: 10-05-1975
type: Bristol 170 Freighter 31
registration: VH-SJQ
 

Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Melbourne-Essendon Airport, VIC to Launceston Airport, TAS as the crow flies is 467 km (292 miles).
Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.

This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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