Investigation number
198702376
Occurrence date
Location
Tralee (10 km South of Canberra)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Animal strike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

As the pilot was about to flare the aircraft for landing, a sheep ran onto the strip. It struck the left landing gear, and the pilot carried out a go-around. The aircraft continued to perform normally, and a decision was made to land in the opposite direction, which gave a distance of about 1000 metres to the body of the sheep. During the landing roll the left gear progressively collapsed and the aircraft swung to the left. The propeller dug into the ground as the aircraft nosed down, before coming to rest in an upright position. The presence of sheep was a known operational hazard at the strip. The pilot was aware that damage had probably occurred to the left gear, but had elected to conduct another landing at the strip, where no facilities or persons were available to render assistance if required. An aerodrome with full emergency facilities was available 10 kilometres from the strip.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
Model
DH-82
Registration
VH-CCD
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Goulburn NSW
Departure time
1315
Destination
Tralee ACT
Damage
Substantial