Investigation number
198902552
Occurrence date
Location
"Woodend" 15 Km East of Cooma
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft was engaged in spreading gypsum on pasture. The pilot reported that during the third take-off run of the morning, the engine failed just prior to lift off. The fuel selector was positioned to the rear fuel tank and there was insufficient time to select the front fuel tank and restore fuel supply to the engine. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft and it ran through a fence and a deep ditch beyond the end of the strip, causing damage to the right wing, right undercarriage and tailplane. The pilot reported that the aircraft had been refuelled the night before by other persons, but not to full tanks. The fuel gauges were inaccurate and the rear tank had actually been almost empty. In addition, the audible low fuel warning was not operational. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
De Havilland Canada/De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Model
DHC-2
Registration
VH-IDR
Serial number
324
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
"Woodend" NSW
Departure time
N/A
Destination
"Woodend" NSW
Damage
Substantial