What happened
On 30 August 2004, a Cessna Aircraft Company 421C Golden Eagle, registered HB-LRW, departed from runway 32 at the El Questro Aircraft Landing Area. The flight was being operated by the owner-pilot as part of a delivery mission from Switzerland to Perth, with an intended stop in Broome.
Prior to departure, witnesses observed the pilot performing a pre-flight inspection, which included checking for fuel drainage under the left wing and clearing debris from the right main wheel. During the engine start sequence, the pilot initially struggled to start the left engine before successfully starting it and proceeding to conduct run-up checks. Observers noted a specific vibration frequency while the pilot manipulated the engine controls during these checks.
As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, witnesses reported that the engines sounded normal and the plane accelerated quickly down the runway. However, immediately after lifting off from the runway, the aircraft entered a slight left bank of approximately 10 to 15 degrees. The aircraft drifted toward the side of the runway, where it struck trees and subsequently hit the ground. There were no visible signs of smoke or debris falling from the plane prior to the impact. The collision and the resulting post-impact fire caused the total destruction of the aircraft. Both the pilot and the single passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft entered a slight bank to the left following lift-off. This lateral drift occurred at an altitude that left the pilot with insufficient height to recover the aircraft before it struck the trees located beside the runway.