The only account received in the city of the accident which claimed the life of Edward Wilson Broad, came from Mr. Geoffrey Jacoby, the representative of the 'West Australian,' who was making the through trip on behalf of that paper. The fatal smash apparently happened some miles from the telegraph line, which was tapped in order that the news might be despatched, telegraphic equipment being carried for any such emergency.  Mr Jacoby's story shows how sudden and terrible was the end. He says that about an hour after leaving Geraldton, with the three planes flying together, as previously arranged, Major Brearley and Lieut. Fawcett noticed that Lieut. Taplin was dropping below the agreed altitude of 3,000ft., having developed engine trouble. Taplin sought, and made, a forced landing on a long narrow flat near the Murchison River. Seeing that Taplin was

down, the other machines also made a descent, Major Brearley landing in a cleared field a mile and a half to the north. Fawcett flew close overhead to ascertain the trouble, but Taplin moved him up with a signal to await ten minutes. Having ascended somewhat, Fawcett circled the ground and thus came in obliquely flying low over the scrub. Suddenly, and without warning, the plane nose-dived from about 50ft. up, being completely smashed

on striking the earth. The unfortunate pilot and mechanic were terribly injured, and died within a minute of being lifted from the machine by Lieut. Taplin and Mr. J. Trestrail, mechanic. No clue to the accident could be found on examining the machine, both Major Brearley and Lieut. Taplin agreeing that the engine was in perfect condition.

An inquest on the bodies was held during the day, with Mr. M. P. Durack, M.L.A., one of the passengers, as the Coroner. The jury was satisfied that the deaths were due to an aeroplane accident, the cause of which they left to technical inquiry.

Later the victims were buried in the Murchison House cemetery, near the scene of their death.

Robert was the sixth of eleven children born to Mary Lillian Harden and Arthur William Fawcett, who were married at Kapunda, South Australia, on 7 September 1887.  Their other children were Laurel June born 24 June 1888 at Kapunda, South Australia, died October 1893 at Broken Hill, New South Wales; Arthur Hamilton born 21 January 1890 at Kapunda, died 11 November 1890, at Broken Hill, New South Wales; Leonard James born 3 September 1891 in Broken Hill, New South Wales; Edna Lilian Rita born 8 June 1894 at Alma, New South Wales; Edith May Marguerite born 21 May 1896; Kathleen Mabel born 7 August 1900 near Kapunda, South Australia; Dorothy Ethel born 10 April 1902 at Kapunda; Gwenyth Nora born 22 May 1903 near Kapunda, died 15 April 1904; Herbert Barkla born 10 September 1905 at Kapunda; Wilfred D'Arcy born 21 June 1907 near Kapunda.

Arthur William Fawcett died 12 May 1946 at Kapunda.  His wife survived him by twenty years, when she died on 18 May 1966 at Kapunda and she, in turn, was survived by seven of her children.