Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) - Accidents and Incidents

Accidents and Incidents

On 2 October 1994, a Rockwell Commander 690B operating for Seaview Air with flight number CD111 departed Newcastle (Williamtown) Airport for Lord Howe Island. The aircraft carried a pilot and 8 passengers. Radio contact with the aircraft was lost during the flight, and a search and rescue operation was declared. Two days later debris was found floating on the sea near the aircraft's last known position. The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (predecessor of ATSB) report into the incident uncovered alarming information about how the flight was conducted, particularly that the aircraft was 220 kg over maximum takeoff weight, the pilot did not possess a current medical certificate required to operate the aircraft and the company did not have the pre-requisite licences to operate regular public transport flights between Newcastle and Lord Howe Island. The accident is considered not to have been survivable by anyone on board the aircraft. The circumstances surrounding the accident led to a commission of inquiry into the Civil Aviation Authority's handling of Seaview Air's operations.