Incident Overview
On the morning of 16 October 2008, a Gippsland Aeronautics GA8 Airvan, registered VH-WRT, was being operated on a freight charter flight from Elcho Island and return, Northern Territory. At about 1230, it was realized that the aircraft was missing. A witness reported seeing the aircraft during the early stages of the flight and, shortly afterwards, a column of dark black smoke rising from the eastern side of the Napier Peninsula.
Wreckage Discovery
On 17 October 2008, items of wreckage from the aircraft were found in the south-western part of Buckingham Bay. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, and the main wreckage of the aircraft have not been found.
Investigation Findings
After consideration of the available evidence, the investigation reviewed witness information, the pilot's fatigue and health, airworthiness of the aircraft, aircraft fuel, weather affecting the flight, and the aircraft's loading and weight and balance. The investigation was unable to identify any factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Other Safety Factors
The investigation noted several other safety factors:
- The main vertical net and the throwover net were not used to restrain the cargo.
- The full jerry cans were not secured in the aircraft cabin.
- At the time of departure, the aircraft's center of gravity (c.g) was probably to the rear of the permitted c.g limit published in the Aircraft Flight Manual.
- There was no record that the pilot lodged a flight notification for the flight with Airservices Australia.
These factors were identified but not considered contributing to the accident.