The ATSB has published a preliminary report detailing evidence gathered so far in its investigation of a fatal accident involving a Cessna 150 light aircraft near Ogilvie, in mid-west WA.
The wreckage of a Cessna 150M single-engine aircraft was discovered by a motorist next to Ogilvie Road, about 84 km north-west of Geraldton, WA, at around 1115 on 21 March 2025.
The pilot, the aircraft's sole occupant, was fatally injured.
The aircraft had departed Geraldton Airport for a planned ferry flight 340 km up the coast to Shark Bay, taking off about 75 minutes before the wreckage was found.
About 18 minutes into the flight, the pilot texted a photo to a staff member at the maintenance organisation at Geraldton, which had just released the aircraft.
"In the text, the pilot was positive about the aircraft's performance, but noted a slightly higher than usual oil temperature," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
"The temperature shown in the photo was towards the upper end of the normal range, but below the 240°F maximum oil temperature limit."
In a reply text, the maintainer acknowledged the slightly higher temperature and that they could look into fitting coolers onto the aircraft to resolve the issue.
"While there were no radar or ADS-B recordings available, this reply text was recorded as being delivered at 1018, indicating the pilot's phone was still functional at that time," Mr Mitchell observed.
"A damaged GPS receiver was recovered from the accident site, and the ATSB is in the process of recovering data from that device."
The investigation's preliminary report notes witnesses at Geraldton Airport reported the pilot appeared unwell prior to the accident flight and had mentioned having severe gastroenteritis in the preceding days. Witnesses did not report any apparent speech or physical impairment.
"The ATSB's ongoing investigation will include the collection and review of all available medical history and post-mortem information for the pilot," Mr Mitchell said.
"It will also include examination and review of all the other evidence gathered, including CCTV and CTAF recordings, aircraft, pilot and operator documentation, witness reports, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the evidence gathered at the accident site itself."
The preliminary report notes the wreckage trail extended about 23 m in a north-easterly direction, with initial impact marks indicating the aircraft impacted terrain in a left wing-low, steep nose-down attitude, at a high speed.
There was no post-impact fire, and fuel could be smelt in the area.
"No pre-impact defects were identified and bending and damage to the propeller was consistent with the engine running at the time of impact," Mr Mitchell said.
Weather forecasts and observations for Geraldton during the accident flight indicated clear skies, with 5 kt of wind, and a temperature of 34°C.
A final report, including safety analysis and findings, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
"Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will notify relevant parties immediately, so timely safety action can be taken," Mr Mitchell concluded.
You can find here the preliminary report: Collision with terrain involving Cessna 150M, VH-WWU, 40 km north-west of Northampton, Western Australia, on 21 March 2025
