The Fateful Flight: A Tragic Incident and Tales of Survival

Departure and Initial Conditions

On the day of the tragic incident, the seaplane departed as scheduled at 4:00 PM. Despite earlier concerns about the weather, the aircraft took off near Phillip Rock, a location known for its challenging maritime conditions. Wong, the pilot, had earlier described the conditions as “rough but OK” in a text message sent 50 minutes before takeoff. The decision to proceed with the flight was made after the pilot inspected the sea conditions from a boat. At the time, the swell was reported to be between knee- and waist-high, and the winds were blowing at least 30 knots. These conditions, while challenging, were deemed manageable by the pilot, who opted to proceed with the flight.

The Pilot’s Decision and the Crash

The skipper of the tender boat that had ferried the passengers from the seaplane to shore later recalled the pilot’s decision-making process. The pilot had requested to be taken closer to the southern shore of Thomson Bay, where the conditions were calmer, and planned to depart on an easterly track towards Phillip Rock. However, the flight ended in tragedy when the aircraft crashed into the water near Rottnest Island. The survivors and witnesses described the aircraft as remaining partially afloat in a perpendicular orientation, with the nose of the plane resting on the sea floor. The rear windows of the aircraft were not submerged, providing a critical escape route for some of the passengers.

Rescue Efforts and Survival Stories

In the aftermath of the crash, the skipper of the tender boat played a heroic role in rescuing two passengers. He rushed to the crash site and smashed a rear window of the aircraft, allowing the passengers to escape. The survivors reported that all cabin doors were submerged, but the rear windows remained above water. Four passengers managed to move into a pocket of air in the rear cabin, and one of them opened the top section of the rear right door. Two passengers escaped through this door, while the skipper’s actions allowed two others to escape through the broken rear left window. Tragically, the three passengers seated towards the front of the aircraft did not survive.

The Importance of Safety Instructions

One of the key factors that contributed to the survival of some passengers was the pilot’s earlier safety instructions. A surviving couple, the Connors, later released a statement expressing their gratitude for Wong’s demonstration of how to open the emergency exit. They credited this instruction with saving their lives. The couple, who were seated at the rear of the plane, emphasized the critical role of the pilot’s safety briefing in their ability to escape during the emergency. Another passenger also noted that the pilot’s request for assistance in closing and latching the left rear door during takeoff from the mainland earlier that day proved crucial. This prior instruction helped the passenger understand how to open the door after the crash.

Investigation and Findings

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. The aircraft had been inspected just a week before the accident, and no issues were reported at the time. However, the investigation revealed that the pilot had deemed the initial conditions unsuitable for departure and had requested a change in location to calmer waters. Despite these precautions, the flight ultimately ended in tragedy. The ATSB’s final report is yet to be released, as investigators are still reviewing mobile phone data, aircraft engine data, weather conditions, the pilot’s procedures and training records, and aircraft maintenance details.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Aviation Safety

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and clear communication in aviation. While the investigation continues to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the crash, the survivors’ accounts highlight the critical role of preparedness and proactive safety measures. The pilot’s decision to inspect the conditions and his emphasis on safety instructions, though ultimately unable to prevent the tragedy, underscore the human factors that can make a difference in emergencies. As the aviation community learns from this incident, it is hoped that future tragedies can be prevented, and the memory of those who lost their lives will not be in vain.