Specialist investigators will be forced to rely on photos of a fatal Tasmanian plane crash scene due inaccessible terrain.
Pilot Nikita Walker, 30, was flying solo when her twin-engine aircraft crashed near the summit of West Portal, in Tasmania's rugged Western Arthur Range on December 8.
Investigators have been unable to reach the remote location of the aircraft wreck - which a distant photo shows hanging precariously on a steep rock face - and instead had to conduct interviews and rely on images, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said in it's interim report released on Monday.
"A number of items recovered from the wreckage and detailed photographs by the Tasmania Police forensic investigators will be examined by the ATSB," the report said.
The remote location of the crash and weather hampered early efforts to find the aircraft after the plane's emergency beacon was activated.
"The search and rescue helicopter crew considered winching personnel to the site however, due to a number of risks, including potential for cloud reforming, the time of day and lighting, and other hazards associated with the mountainous location, the helicopter departed the area," the report read.
Crews were able to reach the wreckage on December 9 and confirmed the pilot had been killed.
The interim report showed the plane was heading towards Bathurst Harbour to pick up five passengers but entered a valley about 8.16am near the West Portal and made several turns before the fatal crash.
Ms Walker had a commercial pilot licence, had 540 hours of flight experience with 82.5 hours on the Islander plane involved in the accident.
An investigation into the flight is ongoing and will examine elements including items from the crash scene, electronic data, aircraft maintenance documentation, weather conditions and pilot experience.
