A37575 "it is all too easy to forget in the stress of a night approach, the actual height above terrain on base and final. For example 1000 ft QNH is only 300 ft above runway level."
No bloody way mate! It is something you can NEVER forget. We spent 25yrs flying mail runs in that western NSW country, all at night, all between 19.00 and 24:00+. The fellow flew that area all his flying life, he knew his altitudes by rote. If it is a dark night with no moonlight, without external cues, it is basically an IFR approach and landing. I would think that he was an instrument rated pilot flying a very well equipped aircraft that had a lapse of concentration due to fatigue, from what i read his initial point of departure was BN. It can happen to the best..and does! Nuff said from me, God rest their souls