Summary
Circumstances:
During a flight from Orange to Camden, the pilot was unable to proceed beyond the Hartley Valley due to low cloud on the ranges. He attempted to return to Orange but found that route was also blocked by deteriorating weather conditions. In decreasing light, the pilot began a search and located a paddock where he conducted a precautionary landing, during which the main landing gear and wing struck a fence, causing substantial damage. The area forecast had indicated extensive areas of low cloud, with reduced visibility associated with drizzle, over the mountain ranges.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198902563 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 28/06/1989 |
| Location | 8 km south-east of Lithgow |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 01/08/1991 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain, Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | American Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | AA-5 |
| Registration | VH-IFT |
| Serial number | AA5B-0621 |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Orange NSW |
| Destination | Camden NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |