Back in the late 80's I flew into Townsville from Longreach late at night, to be met by a reception committee of Commonwealth Police!
Apparently someone had been flying around the Charters Towers area at low level with no lights.
Could this have been your "Renegade"?
After a severe grilling I was allowed to go about my business - but the locals still say that on nights when the 12th day of the 12th month co-incides with a new moon, an aeroplane with no nav lights passes over CHT at low level on the YLRE-YBTL track, at 12 minutes past 12 midnight!
Kinda spooky, huh!
R