Cessna 172N, VH-PVO, Coastal Plains Research Station NT (50 km SE of Darwin), 6 April 1985

The pilot had operated into the strip two weeks prior to the accident flight, and saw a powerline that had apparently been diverted underground, near one end. After checking with his passengers who were familiar with the area, a landing was made. On this flight a flatter approach was made and the nose leg snagged on the powerline causing the aircraft to impact the ground in a steep nose down attitude. The 10 metre high powerline had been diverted to cross the approach area, above ground, 274 metres from the threshold.