Collision with terrain involving a Cessna C206, VH-TND, at Rawnsley Park, South Australia, on 2 August 2014

On 2 August 2014, the pilot prepared the C206, VH-TND for the first of three scenic flights. As the aircraft departed from runway 03, the wind was from the east at about 8 knots.

On return to Rawnsley Park, the pilot conducted a straight in approach onto runway 21. The pilot did not compensate for the crosswind during the flare and touchdown, and after landing retracted all stages of flap, and applied light pressure to the brakes.

The aircraft then began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but was unable to correct the situation, so initiated a go-around. During the go-around the horizontal stabiliser struck a shrub, causing significant damage to the aircraft.  The pilot lowered the aircraft nose. After clearing a small tree, the pilot raised the aircraft’s nose in an attempt to clear the windsock.

Moments later, the aircraft spun rapidly to the left and collided with the ground. The pilot shut down the aircraft and assisted the passengers to exit. One passenger sustained serious injuries and another sustained minor injuries. The pilot was not injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged.

It appears that an incorrect technique was applied during the crosswind landing and subsequent go-around. The suddenness of the unexpected events during an otherwise routine exercise caught the pilot unprepared, resulting in a loss of situational awareness. 

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has available on their website a booklet and DVD looking at situational awareness. Chapter 6 specifically looks at Losing Situational Awareness.

This is available through CASA’s online store: www.casa.gov.au

The European General Aviation Safety Team (EASA) published a Safety Promotion Leaflet on Decision Making for General Aviation Pilots. This leaflet suggests that many accidents are the result of pilot action, including the decisions that they make.

This brochure is available at www.easa.europa.eu

Aviation Short Investigations Bulletin - Issue 36