Summary
The aircraft departed Northampton for the Murchison River Gorge with two company employees as
passengers, for the purpose of their taking photographs. Over the coastline a descent was made to
500 feet, and the pilot then descended to 70-80 feet above the beach. Some minutes later a large wave
struck a rock outcrop ahead of the aircraft and sea water rose high into the air. The pilot attempted to
evade the column of water but was unable to do so and the starboard mainplane struck it, and was substantially
damaged. The pilot then landed at a nearby airstrip and inspected the damaged aircraft and,
after deciding it was safe to fly, he then flew back to Northampton. The aircraft was later flown to
Jandakot without repairs being effected.
