Piper PA18-150, VH-SQP, Scotts Creek 58km SW of Katherine NT, 21 February 1986

198600689

Summary

Near the end of the landing roll the left wing rose and the aircraft lifted off the strip, then settled back onto the ground on the right mainwheel. The brakes were still applied and the aircraft turned sharply to the right and the right wing struck the ground. The aircraft rolled over and came to rest inverted. The pilot had assessed the crosswind component affecting the main property strip as being close to the maximum for the aircraft type. He had therefore decided to use an adjacent area, which was aligned into wind, but because of the position of buildings at the end of the area a go-around was not possible. It is possible that mechanical turbulence from the buildings effected the aircraft during the landing roll. The approach was conducted at a higher airspeed than that recommended in the P charts, and heavy braking was applied on touchdown before the tailwheel had contacted the ground.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198600689
Occurrence date 21/02/1986
Location Scotts Creek 58km SW of Katherine
Report release date 02/05/1986
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-18
Registration VH-SQP
Operation type Business
Departure point Scotts Creek NT
Destination Scotts Creek NT
Damage Substantial