Stoddard-Hamilton GlaStar Incident at Cootharaba, QLD – Australia

Date & Time:
12-NOV-2023, circa 09:00

Type of Aircraft:
Stoddard-Hamilton GlaStar

Operator:
Private

Registration:
VH-BAQ

MSN:
V373X

Year of Manufacture:
2001

Engine Model:
Subaru Engines EJ 25

Flight Phase:
Landing

Flight Type:
Private

Total Occupants:
2

Total Fatalities:
0

Circumstances:

The Stoddard-Hamilton GlaStar, registered VH-BAQ, experienced a crash during a landing attempt at a private airstrip in Cootharaba, Shire of Noosa, Queensland. The aircraft collided with trees and terrain, resulting in one serious injury and one minor injury to the two occupants. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage after somersaulting and hitting a tree in a local resident’s backyard. The incident, potentially caused by an unexpected gust of wind, is among several recent missions involving aircraft emergencies attended by the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew.