Midair Collision of SIAI-Marchetti S.211 Over Port Phillip Bay, VIC – Australia

Date & Time:
19-NOV-2023, circa 13:45 LT

Type of Aircraft:
SIAI-Marchetti S.211

Operator:
Jetworks Aviation (owner: MV Air Pty Ltd)

Registration:
VH-DQJ

MSN:
025/02-015

Year of Manufacture:
1985

Engine Model:
Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4C

Flight Phase:
En route

Flight Nature:
Private

Departure Airport:
Melbourne-Essendon Fields Airport, VIC (MEB/YMEN)

Destination Airport:
Melbourne-Essendon Fields Airport, VIC (MEB/YMEN)

Total Occupants:
2

Total Fatalities:
2 (Pilot Stephen Gale and camera operator James Rose)

Circumstances:

A SIAI-Marchetti S.211, registration VH-DQJ, was involved in a midair collision with another SIAI-Marchetti S.211 over Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, on 19th November 2023. The aircraft, part of a two-plane formation known as “Viper formation,” suffered damage but managed to land safely at Essendon Airport. The other aircraft in the formation, however, crashed into the waters. Rescue efforts transitioned to a recovery mission with pilot Stephen Gale and camera operator James Rose presumed dead. The incident is under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.