What happened
An incident occurred at East Sale Airport involving the unauthorized operation of an aircraft. An aircraftman from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) removed the plane from its parking position without legal authorization.
During the initial climb phase, the individual operating the aircraft lost control of the vehicle. The flight ended in a crash located near the extremity of the runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the single occupant.
Findings
Investigations into the event established that the person operating the aircraft was an aircraftman who did not possess a valid pilot license. The primary factor leading to the accident was the unauthorized and unlicensed operation of the aircraft.