What happened
On Friday, 28 July 2023, a mid-air collision occurred at Caboolture Airfield, Queensland, between a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee C operated by Caboolture Gliding Club Inc and a Jabiru J430. The collision resulted in the deaths of two occupants of the Jabiru and substantial damage to both aircraft.
At approximately 10:30 am local time, the Jabiru J430 was taking off when it collided with the Piper Pawnee, which was landing on a crossing runway. The collision occurred close to the ground. David and Jan Maddern, a couple in their 60s who were aboard the Jabiru, were fatally injured in the impact. The male pilot of the Piper Pawnee, the sole occupant of that aircraft, survived the collision without serious injury.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) commenced an investigation into the occurrence, with Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell appealing for witnesses to come forward. The ATSB is gathering evidence through site mapping, aircraft wreckage examination, witness interviews, and collection of available data including CCTV and flight-tracking information. The Caboolture Aero Club expressed their condolences and confirmed their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
- At approximately 10:30 am local time, the Jabiru J430 was taking off when it collided with the Piper Pawnee, which was landing on a crossing runway