Summary
The pilot misjudged the height of the aircraft above the ground when he initiated the landing flare. Touchdown occurred at a high rate of descent and the left gear collapsed. The pilot was inexperienced. During the day he had flown for almost 8 hours in Northern Australian summer conditions. Metal fatigue in the left gear oleo casting had reduced its capacity to withstand side load stress.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198300080 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/12/1983 |
| Location | Brampton Is. |
| Report release date | 05/03/1985 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Hard landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-32 |
| Registration | VH-UAM |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Charters Towers QLD |
| Destination | Brampton Is. QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |