Pilot survives fiery plane crash after crawling 2km for help

A pilot miraculously survived a crash in central Queensland after his Van's Aircraft RV-8 engine failed shortly after takeoff on November 25 last year. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported that the engine failed, forcing the pilot to land in a nearby paddock where a fire broke out as the aircraft slid to a stop against a tree.

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Fire broke out as the aircraft slid to a stop against a fallen tree.

The pilot, a man in his 60s, suffered extensive injuries, including burns to about 80 percent of his body and a spinal injury. He managed to extricate himself from the wreckage and crawl approximately 2 kilometers to the property owner's home, where emergency services were notified. He was then flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital for treatment.

Investigators found that the engine was not running at the time of the emergency landing. The fire likely ignited from one or both of the wing's fuel tanks due to the impact of the crash and the aircraft's descent. The blaze severely damaged the engine, cabin, wings, and fuselage, preventing investigators from determining the initial cause of the engine failure.

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The pilot was seriously injured and extricated themselves from the aircraft, then crawled about 2 kilometres to the property owner's home where emergency services were notified.

The aircraft was amateur-built and registered in 2010. The fuel pressure regulator had been replaced three days prior to the crash due to starting difficulties. However, remnants of the replaced part were not found at the accident site. The ATSB noted that while flame-resistant clothing is not mandatory for private flights, it could reduce burn severity. The agency also recommended pilots conduct pre-flight emergency planning to minimize mental workload during a crash.

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The fuel pressure regulator that had been replaced … was not identified (or any remnants of it) at the accident site or during a follow-up aircraft and engine inspection.