Deceased
Kathryn Anne Sheppard
Demographics
48y, female
Coroner
Decision ofDeputy State Coroner MacMahon
Date of death
2010-06-15
Finding date
2015-08-14
Cause of death
head injuries in combination with the effects of fire sustained when the aircraft suffered engine failure and impacted with the ground and became engulfed in flames
AI-generated summary
Kathryn Anne Sheppard, aged 48, died in a light aircraft accident on 15 June 2010 when the aircraft she was travelling in as a passenger suffered engine failure during flight and crashed, resulting in head injuries and fatal burn injuries. The coroner found that the cause of death was head injuries in combination with fire effects following the engine failure and ground impact. The findings highlight the importance of proper guidance material for multi-engine aircraft operations and training regarding engine failure procedures. The coroner made recommendations to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to finalise guidance material for operations and training standards, and to develop legislative proposals enabling CASA to compel attendance at sworn interviews when aviation safety risks are identified. This case underscores the critical need for standardised training protocols and safety procedures in aviation operations to prevent similar catastrophic outcomes.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
CORONER’S COURT Kathryn Anne SHEPPARD Inquest: 14 August 2015 Hearing dates: 14 August 2015 Date of findings: Coroner’s Court, Glebe NSW 2037 Place of findings: Paul MacMahon Findings of: Deputy State Coroner CORONIAL LAW – Death following aircraft engine failure, Catchwords: Section 81(1) Findings, Engagement of families of deceased with Regulator, Recommendations made in accordance with Section 82.
2010/436073 File number: Mr J Gormley SC – Counsel Assisting Representation: Mr J Rule – Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Non-publication order made pursuant to Section 74(1) (b) Coroners Act 2009: Nil Findings made in accordance with Section 81(1) Coroners Act 2009: Kathryn Anne Sheppard (Born 15 February 1962) died on 15 June 2010 on Canley Vale Road, Canley Vale in the State of New South Wales. The cause of her death was head injuries in combination with the effects of fire which she sustained when the aircraft in which she was travelling as a passenger suffered engine failure and as a result impacted with the ground and became engulfed in flames.
Recommendations made in accordance with Section 82 (1) Coroners Act 2009: To the Chief Executive Officer – Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
That CASA finalise the guidance material for CAAP 5.23 such that the guidance material is completed and released as soon as possible noting that the guidance material in question provides for multi-engine aeroplane operations and training to support the flight standard in Appendix A of s.1.2 of the CAAP relating to engine failure in the cruise;
That CASA undertake public consultations in order to assist CASA in the development of a legislative proposal enabling CASA to compel the attendance of persons at compulsory sworn interviews to answer questions concerning specific aviation and safety measures where a reasonable suspicion exists that; a. a significant safety risk exists or existed in an aviation operation; and
b. evidence of a witness or witnesses likely to have knowledge of an aviation safety risk cannot be obtained in any other way.
Paul MacMahon Deputy State Coroner 14 August 2015
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