Cessna 210N, VH-TFC, Falmouth, Tasmania, on 2 April 1990

Circumstances:

The pilot had not landed at the airstrip previously. He made his approach to the 650 metre long airstrip which had a slight uphill gradient in the landing direction. On final approach the aircraft was undershooting and the pilot applied power. Touchdown occurred at the start of the airstrip and the wheel marks showed that all three wheels had touched down together. Immediately after touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft overturned. The distance from the touchdown point to where the aircraft came to rest was 25 metres. The nose gear collapse was caused by an overload failure of part of the downlock mechanism. In addition, the left main gear leg was bent upwards. This damage was consistent with a heavy landing.

Significant Factors:

The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot misjudged the final stages of the approach.