Cessna 182J, VH-MJH, Mountain View near Warragul, Vic, 11 October 1974

197403144

Summary

The unmarked area being used as an agricultural airstrip was situated on a narrow ridge aligned north/south. There was high ground to the north and wide deep valleys in all other directions and it was necessary for landings to be made to the north and take-offs to the south. The strip was 365 metres long and it curved 15 degrees to the left at a point 243 metres from the southern end. It sloped down at 2.75 degrees for the first 152 metres and then rose at a 4 degree angle to the loading area which was near level. The central section was about 11 metres wide and the surface of short grass and bare earth was smooth.

The aircraft touched down at about the point where the longitudinal slope changed and in the long grass to the right of the central section. The aircraft ran parallel to the southern portion of the strip and the pilot attempted to steer it left into alignment with the northern section. Although the heading of the aircraft was changed to the left, the wheels skidded on the surface, the path of the aircraft did not change and it failed to follow the curve of the strip. As the aircraft approached a gully where the ground fell away steeply, the pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to "go around". The aircraft became airborne at low speed as the ground fell away but it then descended, struck the steeply sloping ground and overturned. It came to rest at a level about 100 feet below that of the northern end of the strip.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 197403144
Occurrence date 11/10/1974
Location Mountain View near Warragul
Report release date 30/12/1975
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Serious

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 182
Registration VH-MJH
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Longwarry
Destination Mountain View
Damage Destroyed