Jodel, Societs Des Avions D11, VH-CKY, Wedderburn (ALA), New South Wales, on 2 May 1992

The aircraft was observed to taxi from its hangar to the southern end of the airstrip, turn onto the runway and start to taxi north. After taxiing a short distance, the engine power increased and the aircraft took off to the north, becoming airborne about halfway along the strip. At a height of about 150 feet, above the northern end of the strip, the engine was heard to stop and start again. The aircraft turned left with the engine running intermittently. Soon after, it was seen in a steep nose down attitude which continued until it descended into trees.

An investigation failed to determine the reason for the intermittent operation of the engine. No defects were found with the aircraft which were likely to have contributed to the accident.

The left turn was consistent with the pilot attempting to turn back to the airfield for a landing, after the engine malfunctioned at a critical stage of flight over heavily timbered terrain, with no suitable areas for a forced landing. During the turn the aircraft apparently stalled and entered a steep nose down attitude at a height which was insufficient for the pilot to regain control.

Significant factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of this accident:

1. The engine malfunctioned at a critical stage of flight.

2. The aircraft was over terrain unsuitable for a safe forced landing.

3. The aircraft stalled during an attempted turnback with insufficient altitude for recovery.