Piper PA28-180, VH-NBF, Bankstown NSW, 6 February 1987

198702380

Summary

The pilot had hired the aircraft in order to maintain currency on the type. After an uneventful flight in the training area he returned to the circuit and carried out a normal approach. However, shortly after touchdown the aircraft swerved to the left and the pilot was unable to regain directional control. The aircraft ran off the side of the runway and the nosegear collapsed. It was discovered that the elevator trim had been set almost fully nose down, and the rudder trim was set almost fully nose left at the time of the accident. The nosewheel had contacted the runway at about the same time as the mainwheels, and it was likely that the subsequent loss of control was the result of the aircraft "wheel-barrowing" on the nosewheel. The pilot, who had only limited experience on the type, had believed that the aircraft had been correctly trimmed prior to touchdown.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198702380
Occurrence date 06/02/1987
Location Bankstown
Report release date 16/04/1987
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 None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-28
Registration VH-NBF
Operation type Private
Departure point Bankstown NSW
Destination Bankstown NSW
Damage Substantial