Accident Sequence
On the day of the accident, the pilot added 200 liters of fuel to the aircraft at Aurukun before flying with passengers to Weipa. Approximately 50 minutes before sunset, the aircraft taxied for departure from runway 30, intending a 25-minute return flight to Aurukun. After takeoff, when the aircraft reached about 300 feet above ground level, a witness reported that all engine noise ceased and the aircraft's attitude changed from a nose-high climb to a more level attitude. Shortly thereafter, the sound of engine power surging was heard. The aircraft then rolled to the left and entered a spiral descent. It struck level ground 350 meters beyond the departure end of runway 30 and 175 meters to the left of the extended centerline. All six occupants were killed.
Fuel Management
The day before the accident, the aircraft had flown from Aurukun to Weipa with the chief pilot and the accident pilot. At Weipa, the chief pilot left and instructed the accident pilot to practice circuits before returning to Aurukun. At that time, the two main fuel tanks each contained 100 liters, and the two wing tip tanks each contained about 90 liters. On the accident day, the pilot added 200 liters of fuel at Aurukun. The specific distribution of fuel among the tanks after the addition is not specified in the official findings.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, significant factors included the pilot's mismanagement of the aircraft's fuel system, leading to total power loss from both engines due to fuel starvation. The right engine regained power, likely due to a change in aircraft attitude during the descent. The pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft, and recovery was not possible given the available altitude.