Summary
The pilot obtained area and terminal weather forecasts and submitted a flight plan for a VFR flight below 5,000
feet. Although advised that low cloud and poor visibility were expected towards Townsville, he did not nominate
an alternate aerodrome, but indicated that he was aware that there were several suitable aerodromes en route.
During the flight he was kept informed of the Townsville weather situation and at 0924 hours he was advised that
Townsville was closed to VFR flights. Although the aircraft carried sufficient fuel for diversion to a suitable
aerodrome, the pilot elected to proceed to a position 20-25 miles west of Townsville and hold outside controlled
airspace. At 0942 he reported that he was beneath cloud, visual and that he had Townsville in sight. The
weather at Townsville had improved slightly and he was given and acknowledged a clearance to enter the control
zone with the requirement that within the zone he should maintain visual flight with reference to the ground. At
0952 the pilot reported that he was about 30 miles west of Townsville and at about this time an aircraft, believed
to be VH-CVN, was seen 38 miles west of Townsville heading north in heavy rain beneath a 200 feet cloud base.
The pilot was given heading information by Townsville to assist his navigation, but at 1018 communications were
lost. The wreckage was found in mountainous country 21 miles west of Townsville. The aircraft had struck a timbered
ridge about 150 feet below the crest while in almost level flight and on an easterly heading.
