Hard landing involving a Piper PA-28-151, VH-IMX, Bankstown, New South Wales, on 17 October 1993

The pilot was conducting a local flight to maintain his currency. He carried out two circuits and landings before proceeding to the training area. On return to the circuit the pilot completed one circuit and full stop landing on runway 11L. A post flight inspection by the operator, revealed the right wing main spar was fractured, and the right main landing gear leg was displaced rearwards at an angle of about 20 degrees.

The damage was consistent with a hard landing. The pilot, who was inexperienced, said he was unaware the touchdown was sufficiently hard to damage the aircraft. His final landing was conducted in wind conditions swinging from 090 to 120 degrees, 10 to 15 knots gusting to 20 knots, with a maximum crosswind component of 8 knots on runway 11.