Piper PA28-181, VH-NAR, "Atholstone", 38 km west of Narrabri NSW, 17 March 1988

198802352

Summary

The pilot was conducting a charter flight to a property with a student pilot as passenger. The weather in the area of the destination was overcast with local rain showers and thunderstorms. Approaching the property the pilot made a long descent, under the cloud cover, to a low altitude to attract the attention of the property owner so that he would meet the aircraft on its arrival. At the bottom of the descent, as the pilot applied power for the go-around, the aircraft collided with powerlines. Slack in the long powerline span, and its separation from the support poles during the impact, allowed the aircraft to carry forward and land straight ahead on a road. During the landing roll the aircraft collided with heavy farm equipment parked at the side of the road causing severe damage to the tailplane and left hand flap. The pilot and passenger were wearing sunglasses in reduced light conditions which may have contributed to their failure to see the powerlines.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198802352
Occurrence date 17/03/1988
Location "Atholstone", 38 km west of Narrabri
Report release date 28/02/1989
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-NAR
Serial number 28 8290106
Operation type Charter
Departure point Moree NSW
Destination "Atholstone" NSW
Damage Substantial