Hard landing involving an Auster J5G/A2, VH-KCG, Gingin, Western Australia, on 16 May 1993

The aircraft was returning to land with a glider tow rope attached when it landed heavily causing part of the tail wheel structure to collapse. The aircraft yawed rapidly to the left, but the pilot was able to regain control. Shortly after control was regained the aircraft yawed rapidly to the right. As the aircraft was heading towards a group of people on the ground the pilot deliberately ground looped the aircraft to avoid striking them. The aircraft came to an abrupt stop causing the right wing to strike the ground fracturing the wing spar.

Subsequent inspection revealed the tow rope stretched taut to a strip light at the side of the runway and both tail wheel actuating springs were detached.