Investigation number
199003094
Occurrence date
Location
Melrose, 75 km ENE of Isisford
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Runway excursion
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot arrived in the area of his destination about sunset but was unable to locate the station airstrip. After a short search he found another strip with some buildings nearby and decided to land to ascertain his location. An aerial inspection of the strip was completed. However, the pilot reports that when the aircraft was on final approach he noticed that what he had assumed was low scrub near the threshold was in fact 10 metres high trees. He adjusted the approach and touched down further down the strip than had been planned. The strip surface was loose and maximum braking could not be applied. The aircraft overran the strip and collided with rocks and a dirt bank which resulted in the left main and nose landing gear legs collapsing. The strip was approximately 800 metres in length.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
58
Registration
VH-JCY
Serial number
TH-1295
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Haddon Rig NSW
Departure time
N/K
Destination
Isis Downs, 18 km E of Isisford QLD
Damage
Substantial