Investigation number
199001970
Occurrence date
Location
Coffs Harbour
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Abnormal engine indications
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

About twenty minutes after DEPARTURE, the pilot advised Coffs Tower he was returning after observing a reduced engine oil pressure indication. Soon after, he reported oil fumes in the cockpit and requested a priority landing from a straight in approach to runway 03. The aircraft touched down heavily on the left main and tail wheel, collapsing the main landing gear and shattering the wooden propeller. The pilot reported the oil leak had emanated from an incorrectly assembled firewall fitting on the oil line to the oil pressure indicator. That fitting had been installed prior to the present owner purchasing the aircraft. The main gear is normally held in the locked down position by two mechanical latches. When the aircraft touched down heavily on the left wheel, one mechanical latch had slipped from the locked position. The other latch had not engaged due to misrigging.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Rand Kar
Model
KR-2
Registration
VH-KRG
Serial number
Q18
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Coffs Harbour NSW
Departure time
0900
Destination
Armidale NSW
Damage
Substantial