Australian TSB Releases Preliminary Report on N619SW

Coulson Aviation Australia has acknowledged publication of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s preliminary factual report into the collision with terrain of one of our B737 FIRELINER aerial firefighting aircraft on 6 February 2023.

The preliminary report contains no analysis or findings.

Coulson Aviation has worked with the ATSB to provide the information required to understand the circumstances of the incident.

Coulson Aviation has taken interim measures in relation to some material aspects of firebombing operations. These measures include increasing the minimum drop speed and altitude and assuring that any bird dog operating with its Large Airtankers are appropriately trained.

We look forward to continued engagement with the ATSB investigators when the analysis phase of the investigation begins.