What happened
On August 9, 1979, an aircraft began a series of cargo flights starting from Essendon. After several legs involving Cambridge, Launceston, and Flinders Island, the aircraft departed Flinders Island at 1329 hours for a return trip to Essendon. During the takeoff from Flinders Island, observers noted that the takeoff roll was longer than typical for this aircraft type and the climb rate was lower than usual.
The pilot had filed an IFR flight plan intending to cruise at 4500 feet. At 1410 hours, the pilot contacted Melbourne Flight Service Unit to request a descent due to encountering a 50-knot headwind. By 1502 hours, the aircraft was in communication with Essendon Tower, reporting an approach via Channel 0 at 1500 feet and requesting expedited clearance. Shortly after, at 1507:38 hours, the pilot declared a Mayday, stating that a fuel problem necessitated an emergency landing on a golf course.
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying over the Northcote area on a north-westerly heading toward Essendon. The aircraft was seen descending with abnormal engine sounds. While performing a descending left turn over the Northcote Municipal Golf Course, the aircraft crossed power lines at a very low altitude and struck trees bordering a fairway in a nose-down, left-wing-down attitude. The wreckage impacted the ground heavily, sliding 73 metres before stopping near a green.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage showed no mechanical defects or malfunctions contributed to the crash. However, there was no significant fuel remaining in the engine fuel systems, and negligible fuel was found in the undamaged storage cells. Three 20-litre fuel drums located in the baggage compartment were found ruptured due to hydraulic shock, but they had been filled prior to the accident.
Records indicated that the aircraft was significantly overweight for its flight operations. While the maximum takeoff weight for IFR operations was 3243 kg, the calculated gross weight at departure from Flinders Island was 4061 kg. Additionally, the pilot and the operator had provided false names on the initial flight plan, and neither the pilot nor the company held the required licenses for charter or aerial work. The primary factor was that the aircraft was operated with insufficient fuel to complete the intended flight.