The pilot's Private Pilot Licence had expired on 31 October, 1972 and he had not made application for
its renewal. He continued to fly after the lapse of his licence and on the morning of the day on which the
accident occurred, he piloted VH-DIT from Adelaide to Andamooka, with three passengers. He had visited
Andamooka on several previous occasions and at these times stayed with the family of his married sister,
who lived within the environs of the town.
After their arrival the four occupants of the aircraft went to a restaurant at about 1330 hours, had a meal
and began to consume alcoholic drinks. Drinking continued throughout the afternoon as other friends joined
the party and the pilot was observed to drink a quantity of alcohol during this period. As evening approached
the pilot made some remarks which suggested to others present that he Intended to go flying. Efforts were
made to dissuade him, but at approximately 1940 hours he left the group and hitch hiked to the aerodrome,
situated some four miles north of the town. At the aerodrome he was seen to untie and board the aircraft,
in which he then took off and flew towards the township at a low altitude.
Arriving over the town area at approximately 2020 hours, the pilot began a number of low runs, descending
generally to roof top level except near the residence of his sister, where he flew just above the ground.
While the pilot was flying past this house for the third time, the port wing dipped slightly and struck the
corner of a shed adjacent to the main building. The aircraft then crashed to the ground and cartwheeled
for a distance of 420 feet before coming to rest. Fire broke out immediately upon impact and destroyed
the major portion of the wreckage.