Flight crew incapacitation involving an Evans VP-1, VH-BFG, "Turalla" 2 km north-west of Bungendore, New South Wales

The pilot landed on the property airstrip in order to correct a problem he was having in communicating with Canberra Air Traffic Control (ATC). Apparently having made adjustments to the radio installation, the pilot attempted to hand start the engine, but had not succeeded before he was met by the property owner and an employee who then provided some assistance. With the engine restarted, the pilot advised Canberra ATC by relay through an aircraft tracking from Goulburn to Canberra of his intention to depart. He was instructed to call again after take-off.

After take-off from the airstrip, the aircraft overflew the property owner as it turned onto a southerly heading. The aircraft was then observed to adopt what appeared to be a nose high attitude as it flew away from the strip. At a height of 200-300 feet, the aircraft was seen to commence a steep descent, while rotating to the right. The descent was not checked before the aircraft impacted the ground, right wing low, in a near vertical attitude.

No radio transmissions were heard from the pilot following take-off.

The report of the autopsy conducted on the pilot indicated that he had suffered a physical incapacitation before the aircraft impacted the ground.