Summary
Following the take-off with 850 L of chemical for another spray task, the engine began to vibrate and lose power. The pilot dumped the load and conducted a forced landing into a paddock about 4 km from the departure airstrip. During the landing one main landing gear leg was torn off, the wings were creased, and the propeller was bent rearwards. After an examination of the engine the pilot found that the number 6 cylinder had cracked between the spark plug holes.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199701094 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 03/04/1997 |
| Location | 25 km south-west of Goondiwindi Aerodrome |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 30/05/1997 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Air Tractor Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | AT-301 |
| Registration | VH-ODM |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Newstead', Boggabilla NSW Newstead', Boggabilla NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |