Piper PA25-235 Pawnee D, VH-SEG, 13km ENE of Ingham QLD, 15 December 1986

198602675

Summary

The pilot was engaged in the spraying of sugar cane. During one of the swath runs as he turned the aircraft to follow the line of the cane the right wing struck the cane. The aircraft impacted the ground and bounced several times before coming to rest. The configuration of the spray run chosen, by the pilot, involved a turn through 33 degrees during the run. The aircraft was being operated at a lower altitude than was necessary under the prevailing conditions to complete the task. The combination of both these facts made the judgement of wingtip clearance during the run extremely difficult.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198602675
Occurrence date 15/12/1986
Location 13km ENE of Ingham
Report release date 16/06/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-25
Registration VH-SEG
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Ingham QLD
Destination Ingham QLD
Damage Substantial