This Day in History: 1985-08-02

Beechcraft V35 MK II VH-DYS crashed at Mataranka Homestead, NT on 2 August 1985. The pilot was conducting an around-Australia holiday with three friends. On the day of the accident he intended flying the aircraft to Tindal, a distance of about 90 kilometres, to refuel prior to departing for his Queensland destination. After the aircraft was taxied from the parking area to the threshold of the runway, witnesses reported hearing the engine being run-up. The aircraft was then observed to take-off in a north-westerly direction and climb to about 150 feet above the strip. It then entered a steady, wings level descent and collided with trees, 400 metres beyond and 100 metres to the left of the strip. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and the ensuing fire and all four occupants of the aircraft were killed. The examination of the wreckage was hampered by extensive fire damage. However, with the exception of the vacuum pump, which was probably unserviceable at the time of the accident, no evidence was found to suggest that the aircraft was not capable of normal operation. There was no evidence to indicate that the pilot had suffered any sudden illness or incapacity, and the cause of the accident remains undetermined. Sources: ATSB investigation report 198500661; aviation-safety.net website