Investigation number
198600687
Occurrence date
Location
Bond Springs (22 km North Alice Springs NT)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

Analysis of a video recording taken of the take-off run by the occupant of the front seat, indicated that the aircraft became airborne after a ground roll of about 18 seconds. The aircraft then continued in the direction of takeoff for a further 11 seconds at what appeared to be near to takeoff speed. The aircraft did not climb away. It was not clear from the recording whether or not the aircraft was airborne throughout the 11 seconds. At the end of this time however, the aircraft was on the ground and it then veered sharply to the right. At the time the prevailing wind was a left quartering crosswind. The pilot was unable to regain directional control and the aircraft ran off the side of the strip and struck an embankment before coming to rest inverted. No defect was found with the engine or flight controls and the aircraft weight and centre of gravity were within the required limits. The aircraft had been fitted with a braking system and had recorded 27 hours in service since the modification. An examination of the brake shoes revealed an excessive rate of wear to the left brake shoes, and a cable within the braking system was found to be incorrectly adjusted. However, whether these defects contributed to the development of the accident could not be established. The reason for the loss of directional control was not determined.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
Model
DH-82
Registration
VH-BDX
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Bond Springs NT
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Alice Springs NT
Damage
Substantial