Cessna 188-A1, VH-DOW, 18 kms NW of Newdegate WA, 1 July 1988

198800126

Summary

The aircraft was being used to spread urea. The day's operations had commenced late because of morning fog. On becoming airborne on this particular occasion the pilot commenced a low-level shallow right turn to avoid a stand of trees and to track to the nearby treatment area. However, on entering the turn the pilot noticed that he was tracking towards a solitary small tree so he rolled the aircraft to wings level to avoid this obstacle. He was aware that this track would take him towards a strand of trees, but he was unable to determine his distance from them because of sun glare on he windscreen. The aircraft struck trees on the edge of the strand at a height of about 10 feet above ground level then impacted the ground. The left main gear leg was torn off and the aircraft slid to a halt. The flight was the pilot's sixteenth takeoff from the strip for the day. He was aware of all the obstructions, but was evidently affected by a number of factors which can be associated with agricultural operations. These included a build-up of urea dust on the windscreen; high workload; the need to pre-plan the next stage of the operation etc. These factors probably led the pilot to temporarily forget the locations of the various obstructions in the area.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198800126
Occurrence date 01/07/1988
Location 18 kms NW of Newdegate
Report release date 13/02/1989
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 188
Registration VH-DOW
Serial number 188-0124
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point 18 km NW Newdegate WA
Destination 18 km NW Newdegate WA
Damage Substantial