Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft experienced a complete loss of starboard engine power while en route from Jurien Bay to Perth. The aircraft was transporting a load of crayfish at the time of the incident. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in an area 12 km north of Lancelin.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, the right engine suffered a failure. With insufficient power to sustain altitude, the pilot was forced to execute a forced landing. The subsequent landing attempt resulted in a collision with a limestone outcrop. All three occupants emerged from the incident uninjured, but the aircraft itself was destroyed, and the cargo of crayfish was lost.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the engine failure was probably initiated by the failure of a piston. This led to a complete loss of power from the starboard engine. With reduced performance, the pilot could not maintain height, leading to the forced landing and impact with the limestone outcrop.
Official Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated by the investigation, is: Following complete loss of starboard engine power, probably initiated by the failure of a piston, the pilot was unable to maintain height and in the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft collided with a limestone outcrop.