Collision on ground involving a Beech Aircraft Corp A36, VH-FCT, Massacre Inlet, QLD on 18 October 1993

The operator was asked to pick up some fishermen by another operator who was unable to conduct the charter. A strip was marked out on a salt flat by the passengers, who were primarily attempting to find an area of sufficient length. When the pilot landed he intended to stop the aircraft as soon as possible then inspect the strip on foot prior to take-off. On touchdown he immediately realised that the surface was soft but had insufficient speed to contemplate a go-around. The aircraft came to rest in about 30 m. The nosegear casting had bent allowing the nosewheel to turn through 90 degrees. The passengers had never marked out a strip before, nor had they been told what criteria a strip must meet.