November 4, 2026
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its preliminary report into the plane crash which killed Barambah Organics founder Ian Campbell and his daughter Hannah.
The report notes that CCTV footage showed Mr Campbell, 56, and Hannah, 23, boarding the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza aircraft at Archerfield Airport at 10:21am on September 8 after a pre-flight inspection.
“Several attempts were made to start the engine before the occupants disembarked,” the report continued.
“It was reported that an engineer from a nearby hangar then assisted to start the engine with a battery cart.”
The aircraft taxied from the apron about 10:41am and began its take-off roll about 10:58am.
It climbed to about 1100 feet and maintained that for a short period before beginning to descend.
About 11:05am, the aircraft crossed the Logan River at 600ft.
“A nearby resident to the accident site stated they were drawn to the sound of a ‘spluttering’ engine and observed the aircraft’s landing gear extend,” the report stated.
“The aircraft then ‘dropped’ and collided with terrain, however, they were not in a position to observe the collision.
“Another witness also observed the final stages of the flight and reported that as the aircraft turned it ‘nosedived’, however trees prevented them from seeing the impact.
“Numerous other witnesses reported they observed an aircraft flying low and heard the engine spluttering around the time of the accident.”
The flight had been heading to St George Airport.
The investigation into the cause of the fatal incident is continuing.
The Campbell family was well-known in the South Burnett and the wider rural industry.
Mr Campbell and his wife Jane founded Barambah Organics almost 30 years ago, a dairy company based initially around the couple’s Spring Creek farm at Manyung, near Murgon.
- External link: ATSB Preliminary Report
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