Summary
The aircraft was engaged in spraying operations over a crop of rock melons. The pilot had not previously sprayed crops at this farm. During one of the spray runs the right wing struck a thin metal pole located at the edge of the paddock. The pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft and diverted to land safely at a nearby air strip.
The farmer who normally removed the steel pole had forgotten to remove it on this occasion or to notify the pilot of its location.
The 5 to 6 m high pole was constructed of 25 mm square steel tubing. The pilot later said that he saw the obstacle too late to avoid a collision.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199603576 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 02/11/1996 |
| Location | Chinchilla (ALA) |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 02/12/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Ayres Corporation |
|---|---|
| Model | S2R-T34 |
| Registration | VH-JVE |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Chinchilla QLD |
| Destination | Chinchilla QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |