Media Statement: RC plane accident in Queensland

In response to a Channel 7 News article that went to air on Wednesday 15 May the MAAA provides the following media release. 

In October 2018, a RC plane accident occurred at a Queensland Aeromodelling Club, west of Brisbane - resulting in a grass fire.

The aircraft involved was, contrary to reports, a small propeller plane which went off the air on the downward leg of a circuit at the club.

It is extremely rare for a grass fire to occur from a RC Model Aircraft, however, the batteries on board, together with the wind at the time, sparked the fire.

The club acted swiftly, immediately contacting emergency services and enacted its first response measures for such an incident.

Some structural damage occurred as a result of the fire, but none to homes.

A full incident report and investigation was completed with risk assessment updates in accordance with the MAAA Manuals of Procedures and CASA was also duly notified.

The affected landowners submitted a letter of demand on the MAAA insurance providers and since then the insurance claims made by the claimants has been in the hands of the insurers Lawyers. The incident is currently under investigation.

The MAAA and our MAAA club has acted in accordance with our MOPs and SOP during and post-accident.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Tyson Dodd, MAAA Secretary
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 0499 060 611