Light plane crash in Canley Vale

[Jason H]

I was listening to the tower at the time, and they had stopped departures for the aircraft to return to BK. He had been cleared to land on 11 (straight in) and everything seemed normal, until he reported he couldn't maintain altitude.

It surely was chilling to hear him frantically look for a landing site. Tower advised him of the M7 as a possible landing spot too.

I'm interested to know how a multi engine aircraft could not maintain altitude

[Robert Zweck]

Is the former Schofields area still around or is that covered with houses?

[Nigel C]

It's there, but not in any real state for use as far as I know. It's part of the University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury campus these days.

[Chris B.]

Originally Posted by Jason H

I'm interested to know how a multi engine aircraft could not maintain altitude

There are many reasons a multi engined aircraft cannot maintain altitude. But for obvious reasons I will not post up incase the media are lurking about and we don't even know what has happened here. So rather than speculate I'll leave it up to the ATSB why a multi engined aircraft could not maintain altitude.

[Philip Argy]

I think a twin engined aircraft suffering separate engine power failures or other problems is likely having some kind of fuel problem. Obviously we have to await the investigation but I can't see any harm in discussing here as a technological matter what sorts of problems can cause a twin engine aircraft to lose power or experience power surges on both engines a short time apart (whether or not that is what caused the crash on this occasion).

[Robert Zweck]

They talk about the dangers of light aircraft airports yet, in the same breath these critics conveniently forget about all the people who were killed on NSW roads last week.........by cars, a far more lethal weapon.

[Nigel C]

Originally Posted by Robert Zweck

They talk about the dangers of light aircraft airports yet, in the same breath these critics conveniently forget about all the people who were killed on NSW roads last week.........by cars, a far more lethal weapon.

Having dealt directly with an anti-airport lobbyist who used to lobby against Bankstown and lately against Wollongong, I'm well aware of the spin they tell those who care to listen.
I am pleased to say however they can be quietened somewhat when they're embarrassed in front of their followers with the facts, instead of the tripe they spin. The Wollongong lobby has been rather quiet since I attended one of their meetings.....

[Adam G]

Originally Posted by Philip Argy

I think a twin engined aircraft suffering separate engine power failures or other problems is likely having some kind of fuel problem.

I think you're missing Chris's point - there are reasons why a light twin engine plane may not be able to climb and/or maintain altitude with one engine fully operating.

Like Chris & most others on this board who have flown these types of aircraft, we'd be hesitant to post more as it just fuels media speculation at a very difficult time for many people.