Cessna 310H, VH-WRG, Wilkurra Homestead, NSW, 2 April 1974

Parts of the tail plane were found in an area 550 metres from the main wreckage. Examination of these parts revealed evidence of failure as a result of in-flight loads being experienced in excess of their ultimate structural strength. There was no evidence of any pre-existing structural deficiency in the failed components. The nature and direction of the tailplane failures show they could only have occurred in a grossly abnormal condition of flight such as a complete loss of control. Very active thunderstorms were reported in the area at about the estimated time of the accident. These could have Induced a loss of control arising either from pilot disorientation in cloud or an upset in severe turbulence.