Investigation number
198300080
Occurrence date
Location
Brampton Is.
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Hard landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
The pilot misjudged the height of the aircraft above the ground when he initiated the landing flare. Touchdown occurred at a high rate of descent and the left gear collapsed. The pilot was inexperienced. During the day he had flown for almost 8 hours in Northern Australian summer conditions. Metal fatigue in the left gear oleo casting had reduced its capacity to withstand side load stress.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-32
Registration
VH-UAM
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Charters Towers QLD
Departure time
1602
Destination
Brampton Is. QLD
Damage
Substantial