The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Piper Navajo Chieftain four-fatality accident near Condobolin on 2 December 2005.
Four ATSB investigators have been on site near Condobolin since Saturday morning.
The Piper Navajo Chieftain was reportedly being flown by a commercial pilot and was en route from Archerfield to Swan Hill via Griffith. Weather in the Condobolin area was severe with extremely strong wind and thunderstorms across the aircraft's track. The pilot reported diverting around weather and shortly after this communication was lost.
Wreckage was found over a wide area in excess of 3.5 kms. A section of the tail was found about 3.5 kms from the main wreckage and one engine, with cowling and propeller attached, was found 500 metres from the main wreckage. All four (4) occupants of the aircraft received fatal injuries.
The investigation is continuing and will include examination of the wreckage and analysis of weather, air traffic control and radar information.
Witnesses to this accident are asked to contact the ATSB on 1800 020 616.