In-flight break up Rans S6, 15 km west of Singleton, New South Wales, on 10 April 1998

Three ultralight aircraft set out from Maitland aerodrome to fly to Narromine, with an intermediate stop at Cassilus. Near Singleton, one of the aircraft became separated from the other two, due to cloud. Radio contact was also lost. The alarm was raised and search action initiated.

The burnt out wreckage of the missing aircraft was subsequently found the following day. Both occupants had been killed. The Deputy State Coroner requested BASI assistance in the matter.

A limited investigation was carried out and found that the pilots of two of the ultralight aircraft found themselves above an area of cloud near Singleton. The lead aircraft descended through the cloud, into clear conditions below. The pilot of the second aircraft is believed to have also commenced a descent through cloud. The wreckage of that aircraft was subsequently found the following day. The circumstances of the accident were consistent with the wing structure of the aircraft failing from structural overload, following a loss of control by the pilot.