Summary
Shortly after touchdown the nosewheel struck a 20 centimetre high anthill. The downlock latch on the nosegear was broken and when the nosewheel entered a slight depression, some 145 metres further along the ground roll, the nosegear collapsed. The pilot had overflown the strip during the approach. However, due to the height of the grass on the strip the anthill would have been difficult to sight from the air.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198703469 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 18/03/1987 |
| Location | Herberton |
| Report release date | 29/05/1987 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-44 |
| Registration | VH-KHG |
| Operation type | Flying Training |
| Departure point | Innisfail QLD |
| Destination | Herberton QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |