What happened
A search operation was initiated after a survey aircraft failed to reach its intended destination and the designated search and rescue window had expired. The wreckage was later located on the eastern slope of Mt Barren Jack, situated northwest of Carrolls Creek's mouth, along the intended flight path for the mission. At the time of the incident, witnesses near the Burrinjuck reservoir reported heavy cloud cover obscuring the mountain peaks.
The aircraft struck trees while in a steep right bank and a tail-low attitude. During the impact sequence, the pilot was ejected from the cockpit. Although medical assessments found no trauma suggesting the seat belt was engaged, investigators could not definitively confirm the status of the restraints due to the intensity of the post-crash fire.
The mission was being conducted on behalf of the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR), and the crash resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage showed that both engines were functioning at high power during the collision. No mechanical defects or malfunctions were identified as contributing factors to the accident. The survey mission required the pilot to maintain a specific flight track at a target altitude of 500 feet above ground level while ensuring constant visual contact with the terrain.
Evidence from the wreckage and impact marks indicates that the aircraft was flying at an altitude significantly below the required 500 feet prior to the crash. The investigation suggests the pilot was attempting an evasive maneuver to avoid the rising terrain when the collision occurred. While it could not be determined why the flight path led into such low altitudes or why the turn away from the mountain was delayed, the findings noted that the pilot proceeded into adverse weather and operated the aircraft at a height much lower than the prescribed safety margin.