This Day in History: 1998-04-26

Cessna 210R VH-IOR crashed at Mount Jagungal, Kosciuszko National Park, 16 km west of Eucumbene, NSW on 26 April 1998. The aircraft was on a flight from Merimbula to Albury. The ATSB noted the following significant factors: 1. The planned route was over mountainous terrain, in adverse weather conditions, and at an altitude above the forecast freezing level. 2. Moderate to severe turbulence had been forecast in the vicinity of the Snowy Mountain ranges and the meteorological conditions were conducive to the formation of mountain waves. 3. At the time radar contact with the aircraft was lost, the pilot was attempting to climb the aircraft to an altitude of 10,000 ft and appeared to be flying it at a lower than normal climb speed. The reason for the observed loss of climb performance as the aircraft approached 9,000 ft could not be positively determined. 4. The aircraft impacted the ground in an attitude consistent with a loss of control. The reason for the loss of control could not be established. There were 6 fatalities. Sources: ATSB aviation-safety.net website