Gemini Thruster, AUF 250030, 10 km W Beulah VIC, 5 September 1987

198701460

Summary

The pilot reported that he had been flying over his farm for about 30 minutes inspecting his crops and livestock. When crossing a road, whilst proceeding to another section of the farm at a altitude of about 30 feet, he remembered the location of a powerline, which was then only 50 metres ahead. He banked the aircraft left to avoid the line, but the left wing hit the top of a tree. Control was lost and the aircraft impacted the ground, coming to rest inverted. The pilot stated that during the flight he had been preoccupied thinking about the several tasks he hoped to complete that day. Consequently he was not giving his full attention to the operation of the aircraft. During the impact sequence the insert plug in the fuel tank became dislodged. This allowed fuel to spill from the tank and drench the pilot.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198701460
Occurrence date 05/09/1987
Location 10 km W Beulah
Report release date 11/03/1988
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Serious

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Thruster Aircraft (Australia) Pty Ltd
Model Gemini
Registration 25-0030
Serial number N/K
Operation type Sports Aviation
Departure point 10 km W Beulah VIC
Destination 10 km W Beulah VIC
Damage Destroyed