Summary
During climb to cruise, passing 7,500 ft, the ground proximity warning system sounded as the aircraft encountered moderate rain and light hail. There were storm cells on either side of track.
Post flight inspection revealed hail damage to all leading edges, right landing light cover, and radome.
The ground proximity warning system often gives a false alarm when it encounters precipitation (heavy rain and/or hail). This is a known deficiency against which there is no technological defence.
The pilot had remained clear of the storm cells by using his airborne radar. It is a known phenomena that hail can fall well outside its associated storm cells.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199500786 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 19/03/1995 |
| Location | 30 km north of Coffs Harbour |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 07/03/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | E/GPWS warning |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Beech Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | 1900D |
| Registration | VH-IPB |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Air Transport Low Capacity |
| Departure point | Coffs Harbour NSW |
| Destination | Lismore NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |