Piper PA34, VH-STN, Adelaide SA, 27 December 1984

198403583

Summary

F The pilot reported that as the aircraft descended through 300 ft on final approach, windshear and an increase in the rate of descent was experienced. He applied power to arrest the rate of descent then reduced the power setting to idle. The aircraft landed heavily and bounced, the pilot attempted to take corrective action but the aircraft again landed heavily. The aircraft was taxied to the parking area where the damage was noted. The endorsement completed earlier that day, was the pilot's first flight in a civil aircraft and this flight was his first solo in a multi-engined aircraft. Although endorsed on a heavy transport type, the pilot was projected into an environment beyond his level of experience, due to the single pilot workload being higher than that to which he was accustomed. The approach was steeper and 30 knots faster than recommended and a high power setting was used. The approach was made into the sunset and visibility was further impaired by a dirty windscreen.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198403583
Occurrence date 27/12/1984
Location Adelaide
Report release date 27/05/1985
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Hard landing
Occurrence class Incident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-34
Registration VH-STN
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Parafield SA
Destination Adelaide SA
Damage Minor