Accident Sequence
A pilot activated lighting (PAL) system had recently been installed at Taroom aerodrome, scheduled to become operational on the evening of 15 October 1988. The pilot, a local council member, flew from his property "Kolane" to Taroom late in the afternoon to verify the system's functionality. After confirming the PAL was working, he decided to practice night circuits and landings before returning home.
Before departing Taroom, the pilot arranged for two vehicles to be positioned at his property's landing area to illuminate the strip, which is 850 meters long, aligned 235/055 degrees magnetic, and 1000 feet above sea level. He intended to assess the strip's suitability for a night landing upon his return.
Witnesses observed the aircraft fly over the strip in a north-easterly direction, then execute a left turn. The aircraft was seen descending, and an occupant of a vehicle near the strip heard the sound of impact. The aircraft struck the ground while in a descending left turn at a ground speed of approximately 125 knots. Initial impact occurred in a clearing near trees. The aircraft slid 91 meters before the left wing struck a large tree and was torn off. It slid another 45 meters, then came to rest and caught fire. The pilot was thrown from the aircraft while still strapped to his seat and managed to move himself away from the immediate vicinity of the fire before help arrived.
Investigation Findings
The pilot has no recollection of events immediately prior to the accident. There was no indication that the aircraft was not functioning normally at the time. Weather conditions were fine with a light northerly breeze and no moonlight. The landing area did not meet the requirements for night operations published in the Visual Flight Guide. The investigation considered the following factor relevant to the development of the accident: the pilot was attempting to carry out a night visual circuit when there was no visual horizon.