Piper PA31, VH-WDY, Derby WA, 3 March 1986

198600132

Summary

The pilot commenced the take-off run and confirmed that full power was selected. At an indicated airspeed of 90 knots, he rotated the aircraft and waited for the performance instruments to indicate that a positive rate of climb and the single engine climb speed had been achieved. The pilot reported that the aircraft did not accelerate beyond an airspeed of 95 knots and a positive rate of climb was not obtained. He stated that he retracted the gear, to avoid having it snag the boundary fence, and then realised that the left engine was losing power and altitude was not being maintained. The pilot then closed the throttles and the aircraft landed in open country beyond the aerodrome boundary. An inspection of the aircraft did not detect any faults in the engines or other aircraft systems that could have contributed to the occurrence. An examination of the propellers indicated that both engines were delivering power at the time the aircraft struck the ground. The cause of this accident remains undetermined.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198600132
Occurrence date 03/03/1986
Location Derby
Report release date 13/05/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-31
Registration VH-WDY
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Derby WA
Destination Broome WA
Damage Substantial