Investigation number
198801389
Occurrence date
Location
Puncheon Point (Cape Barren Island)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot approached for a landing into the east. The wind was from the south east and gusting from 10 knots to 30 knots. On short finals, half a kilometre before the threshold, the aircraft encountered a strong windshear. The pilot applied full power but the aircraft was still unable to outclimb a low ridgeline ahead. At a very low height the pilot applied full back stick in an attempt to slow the aircraft before touching down in low scrub. Just before ground contact the left wing-tip struck a small tree and the aircraft slewed to the left. The nosewheel broke off as it struck the ground and the aircraft came to rest about 400 metres short of the strip. The pilot had been unaware of the extent of the very gusty conditions which produced the windshear. There was no wind direction indicator at the strip, which might have alerted the pilot to the actual conditions.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-RBV
Serial number
17254002
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Bridport TAS
Departure time
0845
Destination
Puncheon Point TAS
Damage
Substantial