Piper PA32-300, VH-BLM, Orchid Beach, Fraser Is QLD, 14 September 1989

198903809

Summary

Prior to the flight the pilot had contacted the owners to obtain details of the strip. This briefing apparently did not include the information that the surface of the strip was undulating and had soft sandy areas. After arriving over the destination the pilot flew along the strip a number of times to check the surface. The wind was calm and he elected to land down the slope. The aircraft bounced and floated along the strip before touching down again. During the landing roll, the nosegear leg failed. The pilot was holding the control column in the neutral position during the landing roll. An aircraft engineer who inspected the aircraft found no evidence of any pre-existing fault in the nosegear leg. This accident was not the subject of a formal on scene investigation.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198903809
Occurrence date 14/09/1989
Location Orchid Beach, Fraser Is
Report release date 24/10/1989
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-32
Registration VH-BLM
Serial number 32-7240006
Operation type Private
Departure point Bundaberg QLD
Destination Orchid Beach QLD
Damage Substantial