Wirestrike involving Sportavia RF5, VH-GGJ, 10 km west-north-west of Bonnie Doon, Victoria, on 30 December 1990

Circumstances:

The aircraft departed on a flight to the Lake Eildon area. Subsequently, witnesses observed an aircraft, fitting the description of VH-GGS, operating at heights up to 200 feet above the ground/water level. The aircraft was later sighted near Woodfield flying at about 150-200 feet above the ground, tracking approximately north towards high ground, where it appeared to fly very close to the top of a hill. There were no witnesses to the remainder of the flight. Country Fire Authority personnel, investigating a reported sighting of smoke, discovered the burning wreckage of VH-GGS, surrounded by a grass fire. The aircraft had struck a single wire powerline, the impact severing the outer 1.3 metres of the right wing before the aircraft struck the ground 135 metres beyond the initial impact point. The wire was about 10 metres above the ground at the point of contact and strung between widely spaced poles that were difficult to see. Wreckage examination was limited by the extreme fire damage, but no evidence was found of any defects which might have contributed to the accident. The passenger knew a family at Lake Eildon. He had told them that he might fly over their property to let them know he was in the area.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The aircraft was intentionally operated at low altitude.

2. The pilot apparently did not see the powerline in time to take avoiding action.