What happened
On Sunday, 19 November 2023, two SIAI-Marchetti S.211 aircraft collided in midair over Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. One aircraft, registered VH-DQJ and operated by Jetworks Aviation, was part of a two-plane formation flight known as "Viper formation" that had departed from Melbourne-Essendon Fields Airport. The collision resulted in the loss of both aircraft and all four occupants.
At approximately 1:45 pm local time, the two S.211s were flying in formation when they collided over the bay. One aircraft, VH-DQJ, sustained damage but the pilot managed to return to Essendon Airport and land safely. The second aircraft in the formation crashed into the waters of Port Phillip Bay. On board the downed aircraft were pilot Stephen Gale and camera operator James Rose, both of whom were killed in the collision and subsequent impact.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified and commenced an investigation into the midair collision. The incident remains under active investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that led to the collision during the formation flight.
- At approximately 1:45 pm local time, the two S.211s were flying in formation when they collided over the bay
- Emergency response and rescue operations were immediately activated following the collision