Collision with terrain - Cessna TR182, VH-DOK, Great Keppel Island, Queensland, on 18 December 2010

On 18 December 2010, a Cessna TR182 aircraft, registered VH-DOK, departed Rockhampton on a charter flight to Great Keppel Island, Queensland.

On arrival at the Island, the pilot overflew the airstrip to assess the wind conditions and noted that neither of the two windsocks were operational.

The aircraft joined the circuit on downwind for runway 12. The pilot assessed the wind conditions with reference to the surface of the water and determined that the wind was from a northerly direction, with a strength of about 3-5 kts.

During the landing, the pilot reported that the aircraft floated in ground effect for an unusually long time. The aircraft momentarily touched down and then ballooned. The aircraft subsequently landed about halfway along the runway. The pilot applied the brakes, but they did not respond.

The pilot determined that the aircraft could not be stopped by the runway end and elected to go-around. During the go-around the left-wing tip collided with trees. The aircraft spun to the left before coming to rest upright.

After the accident, the pilot estimated that the tailwind was in excess of 10 kts.

It is crucial that pilots establish a decision point along the runway at which a go-around should be commenced in the event the requirements for a safe landing cannot be met.