What happened
The flight departed Melbourne-Essendon at 0726 local time with a destination of Deniliquin. Approximately fourteen minutes into the journey, the crew encountered reduced visibility caused by cloud cover. While maintaining an altitude of roughly 3,000 feet, the pilot increased power on both engines in an attempt to gain height. Despite these efforts, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed in flames within a wooded area. The impact destroyed the cockpit section of the airframe. All three members of the flight crew lost their lives in the accident. In contrast, all nineteen passengers and the stewardess sustained injuries but survived the incident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the collision with high ground occurred because the pilot failed to adhere to the track specified in the flight plan. The aircraft deviated approximately nine miles to port of the correct route, a deviation attributed either to deliberate action or a navigation error. Additionally, the pilot did not comply with visual flight rules requirements, which constituted a violation of the conditions attached to the flight clearance.