The aircraft was observed in low level flight along the western
and northern shores of the island. Approaching-a beach from which a
group of men were fishing, the aircraft descended and turned to fly
along the waters edge, descending further directly towards the men
on the beach. The pilot states that it was his intention to carry
out a landing on the beach but it is significant that the tide was
full, the width of beach was restricted and the party of fishermen
would constitute an obstruction to a landing. Before reaching the
location of the fishermen, the aircraft was seen to lurch to the
left and the port wing struck the water, bending the wing tip
upward and tearing off the outboard section of the aileron. The
pilot applied full power and the aircraft successfully climbed
away. A landing was subsequently made at Rockhampton without
further damage.
