What happened
A chartered mission involving multiple stops was underway on 16 December. The aircraft had previously completed an uneventful leg from Perth to Bellevue Mine on 15 December. On the morning of the accident, the pilot contacted the Kalgoorlie Flight Service Unit (FSU) to review wind forecasts and weather conditions for the upcoming flight to Kalgoorlie, noting that adverse weather was present near the Bellevue Mine area.
The original flight plan intended for a climb to FL 195. Following takeoff, the flight path was modified to include a stop at Leinster to collect passenger luggage. The aircraft departed from a location 5 km from Bellevue Mine at 0940 hours. At 0957 hours, the pilot notified Kalgoorlie FSU that the aircraft had left Leinster and was ascending toward FL 195.
At 1008 hours, the pilot requested traffic updates while intending to climb further to FL 210. After being informed of no other traffic, the pilot confirmed the new altitude and noted the presence of large clouds in the vicinity. Shortly thereafter, communication ceased. The Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 crashed at Sturt Meadows Station, approximately 1200 ft above sea level. There were 10 fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the pilot likely lacked sufficient knowledge regarding the operation of the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 at high altitudes. Additionally, weather conditions were suitable for ice accumulation on aircraft flying through clouds above the freezing level. It is believed that the aircraft experienced a loss of control while climbing to FL 210.