The aircraft was observed to depart Bankstown without a clearance or contact with Bankstown Tower. It was reported that the aircraft was being flown erratically. An uncertainty phase was declared and the progress of the aircraft monitored by radar until contact was lost in the Bringelly area at about 0635 hours. At about that time the aircraft was observed to descend steeply, before striking trees at high speed. It then commenced disintegrating before impacting the ground with great force and came to rest, on fire, in a small dam. The bodies of both occupants were found some distance from the main wreckage.