Summary
The pilot reported that while cruising at 1,000 ft the engine started to make unusual noises. He decided to make a precautionary landing on a beach. During the landing roll the aircraft entered soft sand. The nose gear broke off and the propeller was bent.
An inspection after the accident found one fuel tank was empty. No fault was found with the engine. A new nose gear and propeller was fitted, the engine was run, and the aircraft was flown off the beach and returned to its base.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199600096 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 13/01/1996 |
| Location | 19 km north of King Island Aerodrome |
| State | Tasmania |
| Report release date | 18/01/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fuel starvation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| Registration | VH-LBL |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | King Island Tas |
| Destination | King Island Tas |
| Damage | Substantial |