Summary
The pilot had landed the aircraft and was decelerating on the runway when an object was seen in the grass directly ahead. Avoiding action was not possible and the left mainwheel hit the object, which was later identified as an old runway marker. The marker was thrown up and hit the tailplane, causing damage of the left horizontal stabiliser. The marker was partly rusty and was obscured from observation because of the long grass and the camouflaging effect of the surrounding colours.
The pilot elected to test fly the aircraft and then return to home base without first consulting an engineer.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199301306 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 08/05/1993 |
| Location | Home Valley Station |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 30/08/1993 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Ground strike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 210L |
| Registration | VH-MHC |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Kalumburu WA |
| Destination | Home Valley Station WA |
| Damage | Substantial |