Wirestrike - Rockwell 114, VH-CSH, Geelong (ALA), Victoria, on 25 September 2010

On 25 September 2010, the pilot of a Rockwell International 114 aircraft, registered VH-CSH, was conducting a private flight from Moorabbin, along the coast to Lorne, Victoria, then returning to the Geelong aircraft landing area (ALA), with one passenger on board.

The pilot had initially planned to land on runway 36 at Geelong, however on entering the circuit, the pilot observed that the wind direction was more conducive to a landing on runway 27. The pilot was aware that runway 27 had a displaced threshold due to powerlines under the approach path. Consequently, the pilot had planned to touch down just beyond the intersection of runway 09/27 and 18/36.

When on final approach, witnesses observed the aircraft ascend and then descend onto the high-voltage powerlines located east of the runway. The aircraft struck the powerlines and subsequently impacted the ground, just short of the airfield. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. After the occupants exited the aircraft, it caught alight and sustained serious damage.

Research published by the ATSB in 2006 identified that, despite consideration at the flight planning stage, a reconnaissance of a proposed 'low-flying area', or maintaining a constant lookout, wires are often difficult to detect. The report highlighted that many pilots have a prior knowledge of the presence of wires before they strike them, indicating reasons, other than a lack of awareness, leads to wirestrike accidents and incidents occurring.