Ground strike involving a Piper PA-28-180, VH-EDJ, Goulburn Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 20 September 1995

199503285

Summary

The student pilot was conducting a solo navigation exercise. On arrival in the Goulburn circuit area, he elected to land on runway 04, having observed that the wind was northerly at about 10-15 kts. Shortly after turning onto base leg the pilot realised that the wind was gusting.

During the landing flare the aircraft was struck by a strong wind gust which caused it to be displaced from the runway alignment. While the pilot was attempting to re-align the aircraft with the runway a second wind gust caused the left wing to drop and strike the runway grass verge.

The pilot recovered control of the aircraft and completed the landing without further difficulty.

Significant factor

1. The pilot did not conduct a go-around following the first upset.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199503285
Occurrence date 20/09/1995
Location Goulburn Aerodrome
State New South Wales
Report release date 19/12/1995
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Ground strike
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-28-180
Registration VH-EDJ
Sector Piston
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point Bankstown NSW
Destination Goulburn NSW
Damage Minor