Pilot failed to tick off check list before fatal Essendon plane crash, report finds

The final report on the fatal Essendon DFO plane crash last year found the pilot failed to tick off a check list before the flight.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation did not detect any faults with the aircraft.

Five people, the pilot and four American tourists, were killed when the plane smashed into the DFO building.

The ATSB found the rudder trim was in full left position prior to take off and was not detected by the pilot, despite multiple opportunities for the pilot to detect it.

It resulted in loss of control over plane’s direction and its ability to climb.