Accident Summary
On 8 July 2005, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registered VH-OAO, was involved in an accident near Mount Hotham, Victoria. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire, and the two occupants (pilot and passengers) were fatally injured.
Flight Details
The flight was a visual flight rules (VFR) charter from Essendon Airport to Mount Hotham. Before departure, the pilot amended the clearance to Wangaratta due to extreme weather at the destination. After taking off at 1629 local time, the pilot changed the destination back to Mount Hotham at 1647. A request was made to advise the Mount Hotham Airport manager, who reported that landing was impossible in the existing conditions. At 1714, the pilot reported overhead Mount Hotham and requested a change to instrument flight rules (IFR) to conduct a Runway 29 RNAV GNSS approach. At 1725, the pilot reported being on final approach and asked for runway lights. No further transmissions were received.
Wreckage and Injuries
The wreckage was located by helicopter on 11 July. The aircraft had struck trees in a near-level attitude with a slight right bank, about 200 feet below the aerodrome elevation. The cabin was consumed by an intense post-impact fire. The occupants were fatally injured.
Official Findings
The investigation found no indications of prior aircraft system problems. The pilot flew into forecast and known icing conditions in an aircraft not approved for such conditions. He did not comply with the published instrument approach procedure and flew at an altitude that did not ensure terrain clearance. Weather conditions at the time were extreme, including heavy snowfall, low visibility, and flat light, which were conducive to visual illusions. The accident was consistent with controlled flight into terrain. The pilot's non-compliance with both VFR and IFR requirements was noted, as were concerns about his operational practices and the operator's compliance history.