Investigation number
199002039
Occurrence date
Location
Erskine Park
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

The owner of the weight-shift controlled aircraft was being given dual instruction in circuit procedures. This involved making normal approaches followed by a low level go-around. During the fourth go-around, at a height of about 50 feet, the engine suddenly stopped. The instructor took over the controls and attempted a landing in a sparsely wooded area adjacent to the landing strip, but was unable to prevent the aircraft from colliding with a tree and striking the ground heavily. A specialist examination failed to reveal any defect with the engine or fuel system. The reason for the engine stoppage could not be positively established. However, the ROTAX 532 engine was fitted with a single ignition system controlled by an unguarded toggle switch mounted on a console in the forward cockpit. The circumstances of the engine stoppage were consistent with the ignition switch being inadvertantly bumped off by the front seat pilot.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Airborne Australia
Model
VC Buzzard Arrow 2
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Orchard Hills, NSW
Departure time
1000
Destination
Orchard Hills, NSW
Damage
Substantial