Preliminary Report Reveals Engine Problems Before Fatal Queensland Plane Crash
By Chloe · Published 03 Nov 2026 · Updated 03 Nov 2026
Stockleigh, QLD
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Australia's aviation safety investigators have found that a light aircraft experienced repeated engine-start difficulties before crashing near Logan, killing a Queensland businessman and his daughter.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a preliminary investigation report into a fatal light-aircraft crash at Stockleigh, south of Brisbane, Queensland.
The crash occurred on 7 September 2026 and claimed the lives of Barambah Organics founder Ian Campbell, aged 56, and his daughter Hannah Campbell, aged 23.
According to the report released on 3 November, the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza aircraft experienced several unsuccessful attempts to start its engine before departure from Archerfield Airport.
Closed-circuit television footage showed the pilot and passenger boarding the aircraft at approximately 10:21 am. After several attempts to start the engine, both occupants reportedly left the aircraft. An engineer from a nearby hangar then assisted with starting the engine using a battery cart.
The aircraft subsequently taxied for departure and began its flight to St George in Queensland's Darling Downs region at approximately 10:58 am.
Flight-tracking information showed that the aircraft initially climbed to around 1,100 feet before beginning to descend. Approximately four minutes into the flight, it was recorded at around 800 feet and continued losing altitude.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual spluttering sound from the engine. One nearby resident also observed the aircraft flying low and noticed its landing gear extending before it dropped towards the ground.
The aircraft crashed into open farmland at Stockleigh at approximately 11:05 am, around seven minutes after take-off. Both occupants suffered fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed by a fire following the impact.
Investigators examined the aircraft wreckage and found that the propeller blades displayed damage consistent with low engine power at the time of impact. The landing gear was also assessed to have been extended.
The preliminary report provides factual information collected during the early stages of the investigation. It does not establish the final cause of the crash.
The ATSB is continuing to examine flight-tracking information, aircraft maintenance records, pilot documentation, training records and available audio recordings. Investigators will also review other recorded information and post-mortem material as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The aircraft was not fitted with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, and it was not required to carry either. Some electronic flight and engine instruments were damaged beyond the ability to recover their recorded data.
The ATSB will publish a final report after completing its investigation and analysis. The preliminary findings are intended to provide an update on the evidence gathered so far, rather than determine responsibility for the accident.
The report highlights the importance of investigating aircraft engine performance, maintenance history and pre-flight procedures to improve aviation safety.
AircraftEngineApproximatelyCrashFlight
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a preliminary investigation report into a fatal light-aircraft crash at Stockleigh, south of Brisbane, Queensland.
The crash occurred on 7 September 2026 and claimed the lives of Barambah Organics founder Ian Campbell, aged 56, and his daughter Hannah Campbell, aged 23.
According to the report released on 3 November, the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza aircraft experienced several unsuccessful attempts to start its engine before departure from Archerfield Airport.
Closed-circuit television footage showed the pilot and passenger boarding the aircraft at approximately 10:21 am. After several attempts to start the engine, both occupants reportedly left the aircraft. An engineer from a nearby hangar then assisted with starting the engine using a battery cart.
The aircraft subsequently taxied for departure and began its flight to St George in Queensland's Darling Downs region at approximately 10:58 am.
Flight-tracking information showed that the aircraft initially climbed to around 1,100 feet before beginning to descend. Approximately four minutes into the flight, it was recorded at around 800 feet and continued losing altitude.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual spluttering sound from the engine. One nearby resident also observed the aircraft flying low and noticed its landing gear extending before it dropped towards the ground.
The aircraft crashed into open farmland at Stockleigh at approximately 11:05 am, around seven minutes after take-off. Both occupants suffered fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed by a fire following the impact.
Investigators examined the aircraft wreckage and found that the propeller blades displayed damage consistent with low engine power at the time of impact. The landing gear was also assessed to have been extended.
The preliminary report provides factual information collected during the early stages of the investigation. It does not establish the final cause of the crash.
The ATSB is continuing to examine flight-tracking information, aircraft maintenance records, pilot documentation, training records and available audio recordings. Investigators will also review other recorded information and post-mortem material as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The aircraft was not fitted with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, and it was not required to carry either. Some electronic flight and engine instruments were damaged beyond the ability to recover their recorded data.
The ATSB will publish a final report after completing its investigation and analysis. The preliminary findings are intended to provide an update on the evidence gathered so far, rather than determine responsibility for the accident.
The report highlights the importance of investigating aircraft engine performance, maintenance history and pre-flight procedures to improve aviation safety.
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