Investigation Summary
The flight departed Brisbane at approximately 1:00 p.m. into deteriorating weather conditions. Almost immediately, the aircraft encountered a localized cyclonic system characterized by south-easterly winds striking the southern face of the McPherson Range. These conditions produced extreme turbulence and vertical air currents, with wind gusts estimated between 40 and 60 miles per hour. Witnesses in the Hill View area reported seeing the aircraft circling at low altitude before it disappeared into the mountain range under heavy rain. Initial search efforts were misdirected toward northern New South Wales based on false sightings. Bernard O'Reilly, a local bushman, noticed the lack of sightings in the mountains and began a solo search on February 27. He discovered the crash site the following afternoon, February 28. Two passengers, Joseph Binstead and John Proud, had survived for nine days by drinking water from a nearby creek but had no food. A third passenger, James Westray, had survived the initial impact and fire but died from a fall while attempting to hike out for rescue. The two pilots and two other passengers, William Walden Fountain and James Ronald Graham, were killed instantly in the crash and subsequent fire.
Final Conclusions
The Air Accidents Investigation Committee concluded that the aircraft was swept down by a powerful down current of air. While the coroner's inquiry noted that the airline had a good safety record and the pilot was not negligent, it highlighted critical deficiencies in aviation infrastructure. The inquiry recommended the establishment of improved ground organization, centralized control, up-to-the-minute weather reporting stations, and the mandatory utilization of radio aids to prevent similar tragedies.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Radio Communications
The aircraft was not utilizing radio for emergency communication at the time; pilots had only basic Morse code proficiency.
Altimeter
The inquiry discussed the reliability of the altimeter in extreme weather, though survivors' accounts of flying height were discounted by airline officials.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was one of three new Stinson tri-motors purchased by the airline in 1936.
- 02The Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) for VH-UHH was 9126.
- 03The crash site was located approximately 82 kilometers south-southeast of Archerfield Aerodrome.
- 04Two survivors waited nine days at the wreckage before being rescued.
- 05The aircraft was named 'City of Brisbane'.
- 06The investigation cited an 'abnormal down current of air' as the primary cause of the descent into terrain.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Infrastructure Improvements
The coroner recommended improved ground organization and centralized control at aerodromes.
Weather Reporting
Authorities called for the establishment of reporting stations to provide up-to-the-minute weather reports on air routes.
Radio Mandates
The inquiry emphasized the pressing need for the utilization of radio aids in commercial aviation.