Piper PA32-260, VH-FIC, Moorabbin VIC, 31 October 1986

198601436

Summary

The student had been practicing circuits with touch and go landings for about 75 minutes. An approach was then made for a full-stop landing. The aircraft was flared too high, and it subsequently touched down heavily and bounced. The instructor took control and landed the aircraft, but the left wing lowered until it touched the ground. After vacating the aircraft, the crew discovered that the left maingear torque bolt had failed, allowing the wheel and oleo assembly to fall clear of the strut during the bounce. The landings had been conducted in crosswind conditions, and at the time of the last approach the wind strength had increased. The aircraft had touched down heavily while drifting under the effect of the crosswind, and the resulting loads had caused the torque bolt to fail. It was likely that the pilot's performance had been affected by the onset of fatigue, as a result of the lengthy training period under difficult operating conditions.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198601436
Occurrence date 31/10/1986
Location Moorabbin
Report release date 12/05/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Hard landing
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-32
Registration VH-FIC
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point Moorabbin VIC
Destination Moorabbin VIC
Damage Substantial