This Day in History: 1977-11-13

Piper PA-28R-200 VH-CUI operated by Chieftain Aviation Pty Ltd crashed 55km NW of Lismore, NSW on 13 November 1977. The aircraft first struck trees on a ridge while on a westerly heading in substantially level flight. Portion of the right wing was torn off the aircraft, apparently out of control, crashed into the thickly timbered valley immediately west of the ridge. There were 4 fatalities. Detailed examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any defect or malfunction which might have contributed to the accident. Sources: ATSB investigation report aair197701362; aviation-safety.net website