Aerodrome related event involving a Cessna 500, VH-ZMD, Cordillo Downs (ALA), South Australia, on 19 July 1996

The captain reported that during the landing roll, while decelerating through approximately 40 knots, the nosewheel entered a soft patch on the dirt strip. The aircraft slewed slightly to the right and the nosewheel broke through the rolled crusted surface of the strip. This resulted in the left side of the aircraft being sprayed with large stones, causing damage to the engine, left flap and left wing. The crew (captain and co-pilot) inspected the damage, and the captain elected to fly the aircraft back to Essendon for repairs.

After arrival at Essendon, it became evident that the damage was more extensive than it appeared when the aircraft was inspected by the crew immediately after the occurrence.