Pitts S1-E Special, VH-SIS, 3 km E Gatton QLD, 30 January 1988

198803428

Summary

The pilot had not flown the aircraft for more than two months. The destination was a private strip where he had arranged to undertake aerobatics practice. The owner of the strip, who was on-site for the pilot's arrival, advised him by radio to land into the north-east as the surface wind was down the strip at 10 - 15 knots. The pilot flew one circuit with a touch-and-go landing and assessed the strip condition as satisfactory. On the second approach the strip owner observed the aircraft not to be on the ground until about two thirds to three quarters of the strip length. The pilot reported that, because of the reduced forward view in the three point attitude, he was unsure of how far he was from the end when he touched down. However, shortly after touchdown he noticed that the aircraft was running through a waterlogged area and he then saw an electric fence ahead, marking the end of the strip. He applied full power in an attempt to go around but the aircraft swung left, striking a fencepost with the lower left wing tip. The aircraft travelled a further 81 metres before coming to rest near the top of a one metre high embankment. Although the total strip length was some 600 metres, rising ground, trees, a power line at the approach end, and a wet area at the other end, reduced the effective length such that that it was not suitable for the operation of the aircraft.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198803428
Occurrence date 30/01/1988
Location 3 km E Gatton
Report release date 02/03/1988
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Runway excursion
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Pitts Aviation Enterprises
Model S-1
Registration VH-SIS
Serial number W69
Operation type Private
Departure point Archerfield QLD
Destination 3 km E Gatton QLD
Damage Substantial