The Australian Transport Safety Bureau today released the final report into the plane crash after an eight-month investigation.

Cameraman James Rose and veteran pilot Stephen Gale died in the mid-air crash. (Nine)

The report confirmed the manoeuvre involved the formation lead aircraft, known as Viper 1, rolling inverted before the second jet, Viper 2, passed directly beneath it.

“This manoeuvre had not been specifically briefed before the flight, and was conducted without the prior knowledge of the crew of Viper 1,” the ATSB investigation of the accident found.

After the first attempt at the manoeuvre, the pilots of both aircraft discussed repeating the manoeuvre over the radio.

“This in-flight discussion did not allow the pilots to fully consider the risks associated with the manoeuvre before it was attempted for a second time,” Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

The manoeuvre that led to a deadly mid-air crash over Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay. (Supplied)

During the second attempt, the right wing of Viper 2 struck the right wing of the inverted Viper 1, resulting in an immediate loss of control.

Viper 2 suffered substantial damage, leading to the failure of its front wing spar and the deformation of the outboard wing section, before the aircraft crashed into the water.

“Pre-briefing of in-flight manoeuvres is critical to safe formation flying to mitigate the risks of increased pilot workload and distraction,” Mitchell said.

Both Rose and Gale were killed, with their bodies later found among the wreckage off Mornington.

The second aircraft carrying two other people landed at Essendon Airport.

The crash occurred as they were filming a Jetworks Aviation promotional video.

Police have found the wreckage from the plane crash on Sunday.
Police have found the wreckage from the plane crash on Sunday. (Nine)

Rose’s father David questioned whether the flight should have occurred.

“Everyone trusts a pilot when they get into an aircraft, and with three pilots involved that day, you would imagine being in safe hands,” he said in a statement.

“James was just a passenger on that flight, doing a paid job he had been assigned to at the last minute, due to another camera operator being unwell. But that trust was broken by poor decisions from those who should have known better.

“As James’s family, we are left with these questions: where is the accountability from those overseeing this TV project? Where is the duty of care? Did James die due to a poorly regulated air safety system in one of the most dangerous forms of aviation, formation aerobatics?

“The loss of our beautiful James is something that we will never recover from. We urge the Coroner and CASA to ask more questions.”

The investigation also found the aircraft operator did not hold the required certificate to undertake the filming flight.

It was also revealed the surviving pilot did not follow medical restriction requirements during the flight, as they were required to only operate aircraft with a side-by-side seating configuration and with a type-qualified safety pilot.

You May Also Like

Start to Trump’s sweeping tariffs: Letters to the Editor — April 7, 2025

The Issue: President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs imposing an initial 10% baseline…

Pope makes surprise appearance at St Peter's Square, two weeks after leaving hospital

Pope Francis made a surprise entrance to St Peter’s Square during a…

SNL’s brutal takedown of Elon Musk leaves audience groaning in discomfort

The Saturday Night Live cast brutally slammed Elon Musk during the show’s cold…

UConn’s Paige Bueckers looks to cap off legendary career with national title

TAMPA, Fla. — UConn star Paige Bueckers is trying to stick to…