Preliminary findings released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) suggest that a nose landing gear failure may have played a significant role in the tragic Diamond DA42 crash at Parafield Airport, Adelaide, on April 29, 2026.
The accident claimed the lives of flight instructor Robert Hoyle and a pilot under instruction when the twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hangar and classroom shortly after takeoff. Several people on the ground were also injured.
According to the ATSB, investigators found that the aircraft’s nose landing gear actuator rod had fractured due to fatigue cracking. The failure may have interfered with the aircraft’s rudder controls, potentially affecting controllability during the critical moments after departure. The ATSB has since issued a safety advisory to all Diamond DA42 operators worldwide regarding the potential risk.
The flight was conducting simulated engine failure training when the aircraft’s nose landing gear reportedly remained extended after takeoff. About 27 seconds after departure, the instructor radioed “engine failure.” Investigators are also examining whether an actual engine power loss occurred, although evidence remains inconclusive at this stage.
The aircraft manufacturer had previously issued mandatory service bulletins in 2013 and 2019 following similar failures involving the same component. Flight Training Adelaide confirmed that all required maintenance had been completed and has since introduced additional inspections, component replacements, and enhanced instructor training across its fleet.
The ATSB emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages, with a final report expected in approximately 18 months. The findings could lead to important safety improvements for operators of the Diamond DA42 worldwide.
