On 31 May 2000, Piper Chieftain, VH-MZK, was on a regular public transport service from Adelaide to Whyalla, South Australia. One pilot and seven passengers were on board. The aircraft departed early evening and the pilot was cleared to track direct to Whyalla at 6,000 ft. The entire flight was conducted in darkness.

The aircraft reached 6,000 ft and proceeded apparently normally at that altitude on the direct track to Whyalla. At approximately 1900 hours the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY report indicating both engines of the aircraft had failed, that there were eight persons on board and that he was going to have to ditch the aircraft, but was trying to reach Whyalla. About three minutes later, the pilot reported his position off the coast from Whyalla.

The crew of another aircraft heard an emergency locater transmitter (ELT) signal for 10-20 seconds, several minutes later then there was no more contact. The aircraft was located several days later on the sea-bed. Of the eight on board there were no survivors.