Piper PA34-200T Seneca, VH-BTG, Maroochydore QLD, 24 September 1988

198803483

Summary

The pilot stated that he rounded out too low, touched down too fast, and the aircraft bounced slightly. He attempted to correct with back pressure on the control column, together with increased nose up elevator trim. The aircraft appeared to climb and the pilot eased the back pressure. The nose dropped, the aircraft touched down again in a flat attitude, and porpoising commenced. After three oscillations the nose gear moved rearwards and upwards, shattering the windscreen, and causing the propellers to contact the runway surface. Investigation revealed that there was an intermittent fault in the elevator trim switch, which caused the trim to move only in a forward direction, irrespective of the selection made by the pilot.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198803483
Occurrence date 24/09/1988
Location Maroochydore
Report release date 06/02/1989
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-34
Registration VH-BTG
Serial number 34-7770129
Operation type Private
Departure point Hamilton Island QLD
Destination Maroochydore QLD
Damage Substantial