Overview
A pilot reported that while en route from Essendon to Wonthaggi, he descended to the lowest safe altitude of 3600 feet above sea level, lowered the landing gear, reduced power and airspeed to counter turbulence, and entered a holding pattern to the south-southwest of the Wonthaggi navigation aid. During the holding pattern, the aircraft descended until it collided with trees that were at an elevation of 865 feet above sea level.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather included gale force winds, rain, and low cloud. There were no thunderstorms or microbursts in the area. However, other aircraft reported a very low cloud base and severe turbulence.
Witness Accounts
A few minutes prior to the accident, ground witnesses located south-southwest of the accident site reported seeing an aircraft matching the description of VH-SDV flying below a low, misty, ragged cloud base. There was no record of another aircraft in the area at that time. Information was available indicating that the aircraft had descended below 3600 feet during the approach to Wonthaggi.
Passenger Reports
The passengers reported that the pilot gave no indication of any problem or danger. Until the impact, they believed the aircraft was descending normally for a landing at Port Welshpool.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that no aircraft defects were found which may have been factors in the accident. The evidence indicates that the pilot attempted to fly under the low cloud base in order to reach the Port Welshpool destination, where weather conditions had earlier been reported as partially sunny. Port Welshpool is not serviced by an approved navigation aid. The pilot attempted to descend below the cloud base, hoping to achieve visual flight conditions to continue to his destination.