Collision with terrain involving a Cessna T210N, VH-EYZ, Mataranka, Northern Territory, on 23 June 1998

199802344

Summary

The flight was part of a private holiday tour with four adults and two children in the aircraft. The pilot was conducting an approach to land at a property airstrip. There was a headwind of about 20 kts on final approach and he was maintaining an airspeed of 80 kts. When the aircraft descended below the tree line just before landing it entered an area of windshear. The pilot noted an increase in speed at this time and said that the aircraft bounced a number of times after the initial touchdown.

He then elected to go around, applied full engine power, and retracted the flaps from 30 to 20 degrees. He then became concerned about clearing trees to the left of the strip as the aircraft had veered left during the go-around. The aircraft subsequently collided with the trees and impacted the ground heavily. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. There was no reported problem with the engine or the aircraft during the go-around. Post-accident examination of the aircraft indicated that, at impact, the flaps were in the process of retracting, and the landing gear was down.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199802344
Occurrence date 23/06/1998
Location Mataranka
State Northern Territory
Report release date 14/07/1998
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 Cessna Aircraft Company
Model T210N
Registration VH-EYZ
Sector Piston
Departure point Daly Waters NT
Destination Mataranka NT
Damage Substantial