Investigation number
198900802
Occurrence date
Location
Bathurst Island Airport
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

A trench had been dug across the apron during the installation of aerodrome lighting. It had been back filled with earth. Whether the compacting was inadequate or whether the rain had been exceptionally heavy is not known, but heavy rain had made the earth fill very soft. The pilot landed just after a very heavy rain shower had passed through the area. There was about 2 cm of water covering the ground which made it near impossible to see the trench. When the aircraft's nosewheel entered the soft earth the aircraft veered sharply to the left and travelled about two metres before the nose gear hit a concrete pad and collapsed. Because the trench was almost impossible to see from the cockpit of the aircraft it is considered that it was a hidden hazard. The trench had not been marked by unserviceability cones. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
206
Registration
VH-SIR
Serial number
P2060108
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Pickertaramoor NT
Departure time
1552
Destination
Bathurst Island NT
Damage
Substantial