Piper PA-28, VH-PPU, Wagin, Western Australia, on 17 March 1989

198900234

Summary

Circumstances:

The student pilot had completed a period of instruction and a follow-up solo sortie on the morning of the accident. He was landing following a further period of solo circuits when the accident occurred. The aircraft appeared to touch down normally but then veered to the right without any apparent attempts at correction. The aircraft left the runway and crossed a small embankment before going through a fence into the adjoining paddock. It is possible that the pilot had reached task saturation after the third hour of flying involving stalling, incipient spins, and circuit work. The pilot was also tending to land flat and fast. It is probable that the aircraft started to "wheelbarrow" as a result of the approach technique used and the pilot did not react in time to avoid the DEPARTURE from the runway.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198900234
Occurrence date 17/03/1989
Location Wagin
State Western Australia
Report release date 22/02/1990
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-28
Registration VH-PPU
Serial number 28-22992
Sector Piston
Operation type Flying Training
Departure point Wagin WA
Destination Wagin WA
Damage Substantial