Piper PA32-660BK, VH-WIV, Griffith NSW, 31 October 1987

198702433

Summary

The pilot was making a landing approach in gusty wind conditions. The aircraft was observed to descend rapidly, and in a nose high attitude, from a height of about 80 feet above the runway. The subsequent contact with the runway was heavy, and the right maingear collapsed. At the time of the approach, the aircraft centre of gravity was at or slightly aft of the rear limit, and the weight was close to the maximum allowable. The pilot had not attempted to arrest the rate of descent, and the aircraft had struck the ground with sufficient force to bend the axles of both maingears and to distort the wing surfaces. This accident was not the subject of an on scene investigation.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198702433
Occurrence date 31/10/1987
Location Griffith
Report release date 23/02/1988
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-WIV
Serial number 32R-8013050
Operation type Private
Departure point Moorabbin VIC
Destination Griffith NSW
Damage Substantial