Summary
After take-off and at a height of 80 feet, the pilot noticed that the front baggage compartment door was open. With approximately 2,500 feet of runway remaining he decided to land immediately and, without changing the attitude of the aircraft, closed the throttle. The aircraft sank rapidly and power was not increased until just before the aircraft landed heavily in a level attitude.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 196900002 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 06/02/1969 |
| Location | Rockhampton |
| Report release date | 05/09/1969 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Hard landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-32 |
| Registration | VH-CHT |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Rockhampton Aero |
| Destination | Jellingbah Station |
| Damage | Substantial |