The aircraft was stolen by a person with the intention of travelling to Western Australia. The ignition lock was activated using the frame of a pair of sunglasses, and after starting the engine the pilot taxied the aircraft onto the strip, where he commenced to take off downwind. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne the tail struck the ground, and the pilot reduced engine power. The nosewheel then contacted the ground and the aircraft commenced to "wheelbarrow". It ran off the side of the strip and subsequently overturned. There is no record of the pilot ever having held a flying licence, or of having received any formal flying training.
