Summary
Circumstances:
The pilot had been spraying rice fields when the aircraft began to vibrate severely and lose height. He began a turn into wind to position the aircraft for a forced landing in a dry paddock, adjacent to the field under treatment. During the turn the aircraft struck a small earth bank which tore off the main landing gear. The reason for the vibration has not yet been established. However, a piston failure is suspected as pieces of piston and piston ring material were found in the engine sump.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199002019 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 01/11/1990 |
| Location | 10 km north-east of Griffith |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 23/07/1991 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain, Engine failure or malfunction, Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Air Tractor Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | AT301 |
| Registration | VH-FEI |
| Serial number | 301-0574 |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Griffith NSW |
| Destination | Griffith NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |