Investigation number
197005097
Occurrence date
Location
near Wittenoom
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The pilot submitted a flight plan for a NOSAR flight to Paraburdoo indicating a time interval of 75 minutes and
an ETD of 1630 hours WST. The time of last light at Paraburdoo was 1800 hours WST. The aircraft did not
depart until 1711 hours and at 1733 hours, in a response to a query from Port Hedland flight service unit
reminding the pilot of last light considerations, the pilot advised that he would divert to Wittenoom. Subsequent
calculations indicate that it would not have been possible for the aircraft to have arrived at Wittenoom
before last light. Effective VHF radio communications with the aircraft were then lost and the pilot has stated
that his HF radio transmitter did not operate. The pilot became unsure of his position and in the failing light
he decided to make a precautionary landing on a flat area covered in what appeared to be low bushes but which
were, in fact, rocks. After touching down the aircraft struck rocks and subsequently overturned. Following
an air search the aircraft was located at 0810 hours on 10th June, 1971 and the occupants were then rescued.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
185
Registration
VH-AGG
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Port Hedland
Departure time
1711
Destination
Wittenoom
Damage
Destroyed