Accident Overview
The aircraft, identified as VH-CLU, was conducting a regular freight operation between Dysart and Rockhampton. On the evening prior to the accident, it departed Dysart at 2045 hours, arriving in Rockhampton at 2139 hours. The following morning, at 0222 hours, the pilot contacted Brisbane Flight Service Centre to obtain an updated weather forecast for the return flight to Dysart. The forecast indicated light rain and 5 oktas of cloud at 700 feet above ground level at the expected arrival time. The pilot designated Rockhampton as the alternate airport in case conditions at Dysart precluded a safe approach and landing.
Flight and Communication Details
After refuelling to a total fuel endurance of 290 minutes, the aircraft departed Rockhampton at 0354 hours. At 0435 hours, the pilot reported that descent into Dysart had commenced. Due to poor reception on High Frequency radio channels, further communications with VH-CLU were relayed via another aircraft, VH-EEF, using Very High Frequency channels. At 0453 hours, the pilot of VH-EEF informed Brisbane Flight Service Unit that the runway lighting at Dysart had not yet been displayed.
Runway Lighting Conditions
Runway lighting at Dysart consisted of hand-lit flares. An employee of the company operating VH-CLU was responsible for lighting these flares, a process that typically took about ten minutes. On this occasion, the employee had overslept and arrived at the aerodrome at approximately the same time the aircraft flew overhead.
Final Moments and Wreckage
At 0501 hours, further attempts by the pilot of VH-EEF and Brisbane FSU to contact VH-CLU were unsuccessful. The wreckage was later located approximately 800 metres west of the aerodrome. The aircraft had struck trees while heading in a direction aligned with runway 14 but displaced to the west of the runway. It was destroyed by impact forces.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that when VH-CLU arrived at Dysart, it was not raining, but low cloud was present. The aircraft was observed to complete three orbits of the aerodrome; during these orbits, it was at times obscured by cloud. Both occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found only one fault with the aircraft: a failed fuel pump on the right engine. However, it was established that the right engine was operating upon impact, and the fuel pump failure was not considered to have substantially affected the aircraft's operation. The reason for the crash was not established. Significant factors identified included the presence of low cloud at Dysart, the runway lighting not being illuminated by the time VH-CLU arrived overhead, and the pilot attempting to hold in the vicinity of the aerodrome at low level, at night, and in marginal weather conditions.