On the morning of the accident the pilot flew the aircraft from
Glenrelgh Station to Hughenden, a distance of 63 nautical miles and
arrived at approximately 1000 hours. During the course of the day
he consumed a quantity of alcohol. The pilot, who was not qualified
for instrument flight, planned to return to Glenreigh that evening
but, although last light at Glenrelgh was at 1844 hours, he did not
depart Hughenden until 1810 hours and made a planned landing at
Peronne Station some 10 minutes later. At about 1825 hours the
pilot departed on the 43 nautical mile flight to Glenreigh Station
and arrived over the airstrip at about the end of daylight. The
aircraft was seen to circle over the strip and make an approach
Into the south east with the landing lights Illuminated. A vehicle
had been positioned at the side of the north western end of the
strip so as to Illuminate the landing area with Its headlights.
When the aircraft was almost at the touch down point at the north
western end of the strip, the engine power increased and the
aircraft climbed away. It made a left hand turn as though to
continue around and make another approach. However, when flying
above the almost featureless terrain In a position some 2700 feet
to the north east of the strip, the aircraft entered a steep dive,
crashed to the ground and immediately caught fire. The pilot had
been undergoing medical treatment involving tranquilislng and
sedative drugs and the possibility exists that this medication
interacted with the alcohol consumed to further impair the ability
of the pilot.
