Video and audio from separate CCTV cameras will be analysed as part of the evidence gathered during the ATSB's ongoing investigation of a light aircraft accident near Heck Field in South East Queensland.
Both the pilot and passenger were fatally injured when the amateur-built Van's RV-8A collided with terrain soon after take-off in the early morning of 27 January 2026, a preliminary report details.
The preliminary report notes that earlier on the morning of the accident, the pilot lodged a plan for a private flight to Barraba, in Northern NSW.
"CCTV from the airfield showed the aircraft accelerating for take-off on runway 28," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
"After lifting off, it can be seen initially flying just above the runway, before sinking briefly and then climbing with wings level."
As the aircraft travelled beyond the end of the runway, it stopped climbing and began to descend, before its right wing dropped, and it impacted the ground.
"The aircraft wreckage was found in line with the runway, 360 m beyond its end, inverted and facing in the opposite direction to the flight path," Mr Mitchell explained.
"An immediate, fuel‑fed, post‑impact fire had destroyed the aircraft, limiting the extent to which it could be examined, but all major components were accounted for at the site."
Damage to the propeller blades indicated the engine was operating at impact, and an examination of the engine - which was extensively damaged by the fire - found no obvious sign of malfunction.
The preliminary report notes the aircraft's engine was a 4‑cylinder, horizontally opposed Subaru EJ25 engine modified for aircraft use.
An earwitness at Heck Field during the accident flight reported their attention being drawn to what they described as abnormal engine noises developing during the aircraft's take‑off run.
"Airfield CCTV did not have audio, but the ATSB has been provided footage from another nearby camera which caught audio of the accident flight off camera," Mr Mitchell said.
"The engine could be heard for around 40 seconds of that audio and indicated engine RPM fluctuating periodically for that time."
Mr Mitchell noted the preliminary report outlines evidence gathered to date during the investigation, but does not contain analysis or findings, which will be outlined in a final report to be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
"Further video and audio analysis will be conducted as the investigation progresses," he said.
"Investigators will also review aircraft maintenance and pilot documentation, other recorded data, and the post‑mortem information and survivability factors."
You can find here the preliminary report: Collision with terrain involving Van's RV-8A, VH-MKX, near Heck Field aeroplane landing area, Queensland, on 27 January 2026
