What happened
Shortly after departing Tennant Creek, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure when the right-hand propeller separated from the engine. The pilot found it impossible to maintain a safe altitude due to the loss of thrust and control authority on that side. Consequently, an emergency landing was attempted in nearby terrain.
The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 56 km north of Tennant Creek, close to a road. Upon impact, the airframe burst into flames, resulting in the total destruction of the machine. Despite the severity of the crash and the subsequent fire, all three individuals on board managed to evacuate the wreckage safely. There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the occupants.
Findings
The official investigation identified the primary cause of the accident as the structural failure of the right propeller assembly. The detachment of this component in flight led directly to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.