Runway excursion involving a Cessna 172B, VH-MBR, Ballarat, Victoria, on 6 November 1995

The pilot diverted to Ballarat due to poor weather enroute. He noted smoke from a nearby chimney and estimated the wind was from 160 degrees. Runway 18 was selected for landing. On touchdown the aircraft bounced, touching down again near the right side of the runway. The pilot applied power to go around as the aircraft ran off the right side of the runway into a wet and boggy grass area. The aircraft did not become airborne. The nose leg collapsed on the soft surface and the aircraft quickly came to a stop.

Significant Factors

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

1 The pilot probably misjudged the landing flare.

2 The pilot probably did not apply the appropriate technique to ensure that directional control was maintained during the attempted landing and go around sequence.