Collision with terrain involving a Piper PA-25-235, VH-AMA, Upper Daradgee, Queensland, on 23 September 1993

199302927

Summary

The pilot had been spraying a plantation of fully developed banana trees which had vertical irrigation sprinklers protruding about 1 m above the canopy. The next area to be treated was in a hollow and consisted of half-grown trees with the sprinkler heads protruding about 2.5 m. The pilot reported that as he attempted to arrest the rate of descent after flying down into the hollow, the left wing struck one of the sprinkler heads. The aircraft immediately rolled left and struck a number of other sprinklers. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the aircraft struck the ground. The engine was torn from the airframe and both wings separated during the impact sequence. The cockpit area remained largely intact. There was no fire.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199302927
Occurrence date 23/09/1993
Location Upper Daradgee
State Queensland
Report release date 19/06/1994
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Serious

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-25-235
Registration VH-AMA
Sector Piston
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Innisfail QLD
Destination Innisfail QLD
Damage Destroyed