VH-XIX was conducting aerial spraying of herbicides near Boorowa, 50km east of Young Airport, on 4 December when radio contact with the pilot was lost 15 minutes after its 10th spraying run, the ATSB said in its preliminary report.
Billed as the biggest overhaul to Launceston’s terminal in 20 years, the refresh will add three new food and beverage outlets and increase passenger amenities. It comes as the airport continues to break pre-COVID traffic records.
During the “aerobraking”, the Boeing-made vehicle will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow it down, reducing its energy while only expending minimal fuel. It will then jettison its service module component before resuming its normal testing.
VH-XIX was conducting aerial spraying of herbicides near Boorowa, 50km east of Young Airport, on 4 December when radio contact with the pilot was lost 15 minutes after its 10th spraying run, the ATSB said in its preliminary report.