What happened
While operating en route, the aircraft experienced a sudden technical malfunction involving its powerplant. Confronted with the loss of thrust, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure, selecting a nearby body of water as the intended landing site to minimize impact damage. However, the aircraft failed to reach the surface and instead overflew the target area. The plane subsequently descended into dense vegetation in the surrounding bushland, where it came to rest.
The crash resulted in significant structural damage, leaving the airframe destroyed. All seven occupants sustained injuries during the impact and subsequent fire or debris event. No fatalities were reported in this incident.
Findings
Investigation into the mechanical failure identified a specific condition affecting the fuel system. The official determination concluded that ice formation within the carburetor was the root cause of the power loss. This blockage prevented proper fuel-air mixture delivery, leading to the engine stopping completely and forcing the emergency situation.