Investigation number
198701457
Occurrence date
Location
2 km NNE Judbury
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Airframe - Other
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

The aircraft was the only known one of its type in the country, and had been imported by the pilot in 1982. It had not been flown since April 1984. The pilot intended to ferry the aircraft to a neighbouring strip, but about 7 minutes after DEPARTURE the aircraft was seen to turn back. Approaching the DEPARTURE point, the aircraft suddenly pitched up, and shortly afterwards the left wing failed. The pilot attempted to use the recovery parachute, but this became entangled in the rotating propeller and the aircraft fell to the ground. It was likely that the pilot had abandoned his intended flight because of turbulence in the area. The left wing of the aircraft had folded in flight following failure of the lift strut, and the aircraft was in an extreme attitude when the recovery parachute was deployed. The pilot was not a member of the Australian Ultralight Federation, and had not contacted any local members for guidance or assistance prior to the flight.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Unknown
Model
Firebird M1
Registration
Not registered
Operation type
Sports Aviation
Departure point
2 km NNE Judbury TAS
Departure time
1030
Destination
Lonnavale (Approx 9 km West of Judbury) TAS
Damage
Substantial