Wirestrike - Cessna 210L, VH-AQS, 19 km south-west of Cootamundra, New South Wales, on 9 February 2011

On 9 February 2011, a Cessna 210L aircraft, registered VH‑AQS, departed Temora, for a local low-level survey flight in the vicinity of Junee and Cootamundra, New South Wales.

The survey flight was conducted at 133 ft above ground level. About 1 hour and 20 minutes into the flight, the aircraft struck a powerline, which was strung across a 907 m span over a gully.

Following the collision with the powerline, the pilot diverted to Cootamundra aerodrome and conducted a flapless approach and landing. The pilot reported that the aircraft did not have any control issues following the wirestrike.

As a result of the investigation, the operator has issued a memo to flight crew highlighting the details of the event. The operator has also raised the minimum survey height to 180 ft for high-risk survey tasks and will roster more experienced crews on these jobs.

The operator's Chief Pilot has also reiterated to pilots that they are encouraged to raise the survey height if they believe a safety hazard exists.