On the morning of 16 October 2008, a Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8
Airvan, registered VH-WRT, was being operated on a freight charter
flight from Elcho Island and return, Northern Territory. At about
1230, it was realised that the aircraft was missing. A witness
reported seeing the aircraft during the early stages of the flight
and, shortly afterwards, a column of dark black smoke rising from
the eastern side of the Napier Peninsula. On 17 October 2008, items
of wreckage from the aircraft were found in the south-western part
of Buckingham Bay. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the
aircraft, and the main wreckage of the aircraft have not been
found. After consideration of the available evidence, the
investigation was unable to identify any factor that contributed to
the accident.
Although the investigation did not identify any issues that had
the potential to adversely affect the safety of future operations,
the operator took proactive safety action in response to the
accident. That action included changed procedures in the areas of
cargo restraint and the carriage of dangerous goods, the
supervision and oversight of flights, and to the operator's flight
following requirements. In addition, the operator has acted to
reduce pilot workload.
