Summary
While cruising at 6000 feet on a night VMC flight the pilot encountered a heavy rain shower. During an attempted 180 degree turn the aircraft entered a spiral dive and in the recovery from this dive the aircraft was evidently overstressed. After diverting to Parkes the pilot flew to his planned destination on the following day. The damage sustained by the wings was not detected until a subsequent daily inspection.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198401373 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 24/03/1984 |
| Location | 95 km SW of Dubbo |
| Report release date | 24/04/1984 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-28 |
| Registration | VH-FSD |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Moree NSW |
| Destination | Griffith NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |