What happened
On July 2, 1978, a pilot and passenger departed Moorabbin for Flinders Island in a Partenavia P68B. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). After successfully completing the outbound leg and landing at Flinders Island, the crew prepared for the return journey. During this time, the pilot attempted to check updated weather conditions, but found the telephone service unavailable. Although amended forecasts indicated deteriorating weather with increased low-level cloud, the pilot proceeded with the flight plan.
The aircraft departed Flinders Island at 1541 hours. Throughout the flight, the pilot maintained radio contact with both Launceston and Melbourne Flight Service Units, frequently inquiring about the VFR status of Moorabbin Airport. At 1607 hours, the pilot reported climbing to 8500 feet. However, at 1622 hours, the pilot broadcast the aircraft's call sign in a rapid, high-pitched manner that was unintelligible to the controller. No further communications were received after this transmission.
Following the aircraft's failure to reach its expected waypoint at South East Point, search and rescue operations progressed through the Uncertainty, Alert, and Distress phases. On the morning of July 3, 1978, debris including two seats and a left main wheel assembly from the Partenavia P68B were located on the eastern shore of Wilson's Promontory. The damage to these components suggested a high-speed impact with the water in a nose-down, left-wing-down attitude. There were zero survivors found, and no wreckage or remains of the occupants have been recovered.
Findings
Meteorological analysis revealed a complex low-pressure system moving through Victoria at the time of the disappearance. The area near Wilson's Promontory experienced extensive cloud cover with bases between 1000 and 2000 feet, alongside reduced visibility due to heavy rain. It is noted that the interaction of different air masses may have created conditions suitable for severe airframe icing at altitudes between 5000 and 7000 feet.