Summary
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that just prior to touchdown he experienced a huge crosswind gust that blew him to the side of the strip. He attempted to regain directional control with rudder as the aircraft was then on the ground, but he could not prevent the aircraft running into a sand windrow at the edge of the strip. On striking the windrow and then bushes, the left main gear leg was torn off followed by the other gear legs. The engine was also reportedly detached from the nose of the aircraft.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199100515 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/02/1991 |
| Location | Thistle Island |
| State | South Australia |
| Report release date | 26/02/1991 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Loss of control |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-32 |
| Registration | VH-STS |
| Serial number | 32-7440171 |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Parafield SA |
| Destination | Thistle Island SA |
| Damage | Substantial |