Collision with terrain involving a Eagle Aircraft Australia EAGLE X-TS, VH-FPV, Reola Station, New South Wales, on 20 March 1998

199800896

Summary

The pilot in command was demonstrating a 15-degree banked turn at a height of about 700 ft. The aircraft was travelling at 70 kts with 15 degrees of flap extended. However, control of the aircraft was affected by an unseen dust devil which caused it to roll further left to about 90 degrees angle of bank. The pilot applied full right rudder and aileron controls, righting the aircraft just above treetops in a stalled attitude, but was unable to arrest the descent. The aircraft struck trees and came to rest on the ground in an inverted position. Both the pilot and passenger vacated the aircraft, which was subsequently destroyed by an ensuing fire.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199800896
Occurrence date 20/03/1998
Location Reola Station
State New South Wales
Report release date 02/04/1998
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Minor

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Eagle Aircraft Australia
Model EAGLE X-TS
Registration VH-FPV
Sector Piston
Departure point Reola Station NSW
Destination Reola Station NSW
Damage Destroyed