Controlled flight into terrain Near Bathurst Island Aerodrome, Northern Territory

Examination of the wreckage at the accident site accounted for all the major parts of the aircraft, including all the flight control surfaces. All structural fracture surfaces for the aircraft were examined, with no evidence of pre-existing defects identified. Considerable disruption of the wreckage precluded a check for continuity of the engine and flight controls. However, the engine and flight control cables and push pull tubes were examined at their fracture points, with no pre-impact defects identified.

The position of the aircraft landing gear retraction motor and actuator indicated that the landing gear was in the retracted position at the time of impact. The right main gear was confirmed to be in the fully-retracted position; however, the left gear and nose gear had separated from the aircraft during the impact sequence. The aircraft landing lights were located in the underside of the wing tips and retract when not in use. Both landing lights were located at the accident site and were in the retracted position (Figure 5).