Summary
Aircraft had descended into trees at 2.5 deg, wings level. No witnesses. Possible VFR pilot in cloud descending.
The wreckage of the aircraft was located on the north-east slope of a ridge in a remote, densely timbered mountainous area. The accident site was virtually on the planned track of the aircraft and there is evidence to indicate that, at the time of initial impact with trees, the aircraft had been on a south-south-westerly heading in gently descending controlled flight with the wings level and at near normal cruising speed.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 197601489 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 21/03/1976 |
| Location | 69 km SW Grafton |
| Report release date | 26/01/1977 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-32 |
| Registration | VH-POR |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Grafton, NSW |
| Destination | Tamworth, NSW |
| Damage | Destroyed |