What happened
A flight intended to test onboard surveying instruments departed from Jandakot and initially flew south of the airfield for approximately 80 minutes. During the mission, the pilot communicated an intention to extend the operation eastward toward the Darling Ranges. While traveling over the foothills in an easterly direction, multiple observers noted that the engines were not functioning correctly.
Shortly after these observations, the aircraft type was seen flying at an altitude of roughly 25 feet as it crossed a dam wall. The aircraft then moved north through a valley before disappearing from view. An investigation of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had struck two trees, each measuring 30 meters in height. The impact occurred while the plane was in a nose-high attitude with low forward speed. At the time of the collision, neither engine was producing power. The wreckage inspection showed that the fuel system remained largely intact but held only nine litres of remaining fuel.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the engines lost power because of fuel starvation caused by the depletion of usable fuel during the flight. While the aircraft departed Jandakot with both fuel quantity indicators inoperative, official records did not list these systems as unserviceable. However, it is believed the pilot was aware of the faulty gauges prior to takeoff. The lack of accurate fuel monitoring left the crew unable to manage the remaining fuel supply effectively while navigating difficult terrain.