Collision with terrain involving a Cessna 172M, VH-WXY, Mildura, Victoria, on 30 December 1993

The pilot joined the circuit on downwind leg for runway 27. The wind was observed on the windsock to be swinging from south through to southwest. It was reported as 180/11 on the ATIS. On short final, full flap was selected and the speed reduced to 65 knots. As the pilot initiated the flare the aircraft encountered a wind gust which displaced it to the right of the sealed runway.

The pilot recovered but then encountered another gust which caused the right wing to drop. He applied full power to go around and got the wings level, but the aircraft then hit the ground hard on all three wheels with full power still applied. The nosewheel dug into the dirt and broke off. The aircraft then nosed over onto its back.

Factors

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

1. The aircraft was affected by significant wind gusts at a critical stage during landing.

2. The pilot was unable to recover the aircraft from the effects of the wind gusts.