Collision with terrain involving a Helio Aircraft Corp H-295, VH-KTY, 41 km south of Moruya, New South Wales, on 31 March 1997

199701208

Summary

The floatplane took-off from a coastal lake in strong gusting winds associated with passing squalls. As the aircraft approached the coast, and flew over the beach at low altitude, it descended until the left float struck the top of a wave. The aircraft nosed over into the ocean and began to sink. The pilot and passenger managed to evacuate the semi submerged aircraft without injury.

The pilot subsequently reported that, after taking off toward the south into the strong wind, he had to turn left at low altitude to avoid a small hill adjacent to the shore. The aircraft had then probably encountered windshear on the downwind side of the hill, which resulted in the unintended loss of altitude and subsequent contact with the water.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199701208
Occurrence date 31/03/1997
Location 41 km south of Moruya
State New South Wales
Report release date 04/06/1997
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

Model H-295
Registration VH-KTY
Sector Piston
Departure point Tilba Lake, NSW
Destination Moruya NSW
Damage Substantial