Collision on ground involving a Piper PA-28R-200, VH-MUE, Wangaratta, Victoria, on 18 May 1994

There was a strong westerly wind blowing across the main 18/36 bitumen runway at Wangaratta. Accordingly, the pilot decided to use the shorter 09/27 grass strip for landing.

The pilot identified the area he thought was the grass strip and landed on it in the 270 degree direction. During the landing roll the aircraft entered a ditch which ran across the area he had selected. The nose leg collapsed as a result and the propeller blades were bent. He then discovered he had selected the incorrect area for landing.

The grass strip was marked by outer gable markers and also by parallel inner rows of cones, which were visible from the air. The area selected by the pilot was parallel to the strip and next to the gable markers on the south side of the grass strip and had a shape similar to a landing strip.

Significant Factors 

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

1. The pilot mis-identified the section of the aerodrome surface area he was to use for the landing.

2. The landing area selected was unsuitable.