Summary
Prior to the day of this accident, the pilot had not flown any aircraft since 5 December, 1971. As he had a
business commitment on a property at Gerogery East he arranged to fly himself in VH-KPG from Albury to
the property, some 17 miles distant. On departure from Albury at 1325 hours he communicated by VHF radio
with the Melbourne Flight Service Centre and reported that he would be flying around the area for about
60 minutes and that he would call again if he extended his flight time. He then flew to the property and landed
field.
Approximately one hour later his business commitments had not been completed and he returned to the aircraft
and endeavoured to communicate with Melbourne again to report his delay. When this attempt was unsuccessful
he decided to make a short flight with a view to establishing communications whilst airborne and the
property owner accepted an invitation to accompany him. The pilot selected the maximum available length of
the field for take-off and this was adequate for the purpose. Prior to take-off he selected 10 degrees of flap
down and then applied full throttle. The aircraft became airborne about midway along the field and climbed
to a height of 150 to 200 feet. The pilot then gained the impression that the aircraft was sinking and,
apprehensive that it may not clear a power line just ahead, he commenced a turn to the left and selected the
flap fully down. The stall warning sounded and the left wing continued to lower despite the application of
right aileron. The nose of the aircraft dropped and the left wing tip, the propeller and the lower engine
cowl struck the ground. The aircraft bounced and turned anti-clockwise through 180 degrees before coming
to rest. Fire broke out almost immediately. The pilot, despite his injuries, forced open his door, left the
aircraft and ran around to the other side where he released the unconscious passenger and dragged him clear.
