Summary
At approximately 2020 hours EST on 4 January, 1974 a Beech 35/C33A "Debonair" aircraft, registered VH-DEW, struck the ground in conditions of heavy rain and darkness some 1400 metres north of Barkly Downs homestead, Queensland.
Examination of the wreckage subsequently established that the aircraft had struck the ground on a south-westerly heading, at high speed in a 20 to 30 degrees nose down attitude and while slightly banked to the right. The aircraft had broken up on impact and the wreckage trail extended about 137 metres beyond the point of initial ground contact. There was no evidence of any pre-impact structural failure, defect or malfunction which could have contributed to the accident.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 197400001 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 04/01/1974 |
| Location | Barkly Downs homestead |
| Report release date | 16/04/1975 |
| 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 | Beech Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | 35 |
| Registration | VH-DEW |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Boulia |
| Destination | Mt Isa |
| Damage | Substantial |