Investigation number
198700748
Occurrence date
Location
Maryvale Station (117km S Alice Springs)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Ground strike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot was attempting to take-off from a dirt road to fly to the Station's strip. Just as the aircraft became airborne a slight left turn had to be negotiated. During the turn, the left wingtip struck a clump of bushes and the aircraft slewed to the left. The left wheel struck an embankment and the aircraft proceeded through a small bush and also clipped the top off another small tree with the right wing. Full power was still applied to the engine and the aircraft was still airborne when the left tailplane caught on a large bush. The aircraft landed and the pilot then closed the throttle and abandoned the take-off attempt. It then ran through another large bush before finally coming to rest. The aircraft had been landed on the road, apparently because it was convenient, despite the fact that the station airstrip was only 400 metres away. The road was only 10 metres wide and had large bushes lining either side.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
152
Registration
VH-ALH
Serial number
152-83701
Operation type
Business
Departure point
N/A
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Maryvale Station Airstrip NT
Damage
Substantial