Glasflugel Mosquito, VH-GSZ, 36 km SSE of Horsham VIC, 9 June 1985

198501400

Summary

During ridge soaring operations, areas of sink were encountered and the aircraft descended over forested terrain. The only area suitable for an outlanding was a small deer enclosure. The pilot initially overshot the area and during the turn to re-position the aircraft for landing the right wing struck the fence surrounding the enclosure. The aircraft yawed through 90 degrees before impacting the ground in a level attitude. Although general soaring conditions were poor, the pilot had elected to leave the ridge-line to conduct a sight seeing flight. During this flight a wind change moved through the area. On return to the ridge-line the pilot, who had not detected the wind change, persisted with efforts to find an area of lift. The proximity of the aircraft to the tops of the trees and the small size of the deer enclosure precluded the pilot sighting the clearing in time to conduct a straight-in approach.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198501400
Occurrence date 09/06/1985
Location 36 km SSE of Horsham
Report release date 19/07/1985
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Glasflugel
Model 303
Registration VH-GSZ
Operation type Gliding
Departure point Dadswells Bridge VIC
Destination Dadswells Bridge VIC
Damage Substantial