Flight Details
The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were good. The crew consisted of two pilots.
Accident Sequence
During the pre-landing circuit on short final, the aircraft crashed. The exact circumstances of the crash were initially unknown. The wreckage was located a few hours later at Bulwer Island, approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of the threshold of runway 01. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent fire. Both pilots were killed.
Investigation
Official investigation findings stated that the captain attempted to leave his seat under the influence of a disordered cardiac function. In doing so, he collapsed across the engine control console, moving all four throttle levers to the closed position. This action prevented the first officer from applying the necessary throttle movement to avoid a crash-landing off the airport.