Summary
The aircraft was engaged in a crop spraying operation, and during a procedure turn to the right, with a light downwind component, the pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to deteriorate, resulting in a stall.
He was able to partially recover the aircraft close to ground level, but the landing gear wheels became entangled in the crop, causing the aircraft to descend further and contact the top of a drain bank.
Using full power, the pilot attempted to fly away, but the aircraft was unable to clear a line of trees at the perimeter of the paddock which it flew into and came to rest inverted on the ground below.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199403879 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/12/1994 |
| Location | 25 km south-west of Coonawarra |
| State | Victoria |
| Report release date | 30/08/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Loss of control |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Air Tractor Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | AT-301 |
| Registration | VH-HKC |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Coonawarra SA |
| Destination | Millicent SA |
| Damage | Substantial |