A Grumman G-73 ‘Mallard’, the model of plane that crashed into the Swan River on Friday. Photo: Barrie Aircraft Museum
Camera IconA Grumman G-73 ‘Mallard’, the model of plane that crashed into the Swan River on Friday. Photo: Barrie Aircraft Museum Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Investigation into Australia Day seaplane crash to take 12 months

AAPEastern Reporter

The full investigation into the plane crash on Perth’s Swan River that killed a father of three and his partner is expected to take about 12 months to complete.

Experienced aviator Peter Anthony Lynch, 52, and Endah Cakrawati, 30, perished when his Grumman G-73 “Mallard” flying boat broke up on impact after 5pm on Thursday in front of horrified families who had gathered to watch the Australia Day fireworks.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators arrived shortly after and will spend the next few days examining the accident site, interviewing witnesses, and collecting maintenance and pilot records, and air traffic control data.

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ATSB aviation investigations manager Greg Madden said on Friday morning that the plane, which is under guard by a police vessel, is expected to be removed within the next day or so.

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Mr Madden said that type of aircraft didn’t appear to have a history of faults.

“We’ll be certainly looking closely at the aircraft history but at this stage, there’s nothing to indicate that there’s a problem with the aircraft,” Mr Madden told ABC radio.

He said the model was not required to have a flight data or cockpit voice recorder, but other recording devices may be on board.

A preliminary update on the investigation is expected to be uploaded to the ATSB website in about 30 days.

“We’d be aiming for 12 months to get a final report out,” Mr Madden said.

The investigators are seeking witness reports and video recordings that might assist the investigation.