Investigation number
197003818
Occurrence date
Location
Renner's Rock
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wheels up landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

Following the commencement of aircraft vibration in flight at 4,000 feet, the pilot advised Alice Springs that he
was returning and expected a normal approach and landing. He attempted to isolate the source of the vibration
by checking the magnetoes and by applying carburettor heat, and then he proceeded to cut each engine in turn by
moving the appropriate mixture control to the idle cut off position. After cutting the port engine the pilot
trimmed out the rudder foot load, but did not increase power on the starboard engine. Some minutes later,
realising that he had lost considerable height and was now down to some 500 feet above ground level, he attempted
to restore power on the port engine and believes he reselected the mixture control to "rich". He then moved
both throttle and pitch levers to climb power settings, but although the pilot still had considerable right rudder
trim applied he felt no asymmetric foot load. The aircraft gained 100 feet and then flew level at 90 knots, with
the vibration continuing. The pilot lowered the nose and as the aircraft began to lose height again he decided
that he must land straight ahead. He transmitted a "Mayday" call and with the wheels and flaps retracted he
landed amongst scattered, small trees, damaging the aircraft beyond economical repair. It is possible that the
vibration was due to the turbulent airflow induced by the protruding section of the wing walkway. The extra drag
arising from this source, however, would not have been sufficient to account for the loss of performance.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
50
Registration
VH-CLQ
Operation type
Air Transport High Capacity
Departure point
Alice Springs
Departure time
0856
Destination
Mulga Park
Damage
Destroyed