Summary
The pilot first obtained a private pilot licence in April, 1966 but, because he had not completed a course
of navigation flying training, his licence was valid only for flight within five miles of any departure aerodrome or
within the confines of a flying training area. He was not qualified to fly in other than visual meteorological
conditions. The aircraft was normally based in a hangar on the pilot's property near Bylands and fuelled from
drums stored in the hangar.
An examination of the wreckage
indicated that the aircraft had struck the ground in a steep spiral dive. No evidence was found of any defect
which may have contributed to the accident. There was only a small amount of fuel remaining in the tanks but fuel
may have drained away through broken lines after the accident.
The cause of this accident has not been established but it is apparent that the pilot attempted the flight in weather conditions which were unsuitable and this may have led to the loss of control.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 197202615 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 04/08/1972 |
| Location | Bylands |
| Report release date | 03/02/1975 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 150 |
| Registration | VH-DIU |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Bylands |
| Destination | Avenel |
| Damage | Destroyed |