Piper PA28-235, VH-IMT, Mundabullangana WA, 21 January 1984

198404485

Summary

The aircraft had been parked in a hangar and not flown for six months until the day before the accident. After landing on that occasion the pilot noticed that the airspeed indication was slow to return to read zero. The next day the pilot believed the airspeed took longer than usual to reach the normal cruise indication. When on final, with an indicated airspeed of 80 kt the stall warning light illuminated, the aircraft stalled and struck the ground. Prior to the second flight the pilot had attempted to clear the pitot/static system by blowing into the pitot tube. Inspection of the static system found evidence of a blockage by an insect nest. The blockage was in such a position that it would not have been visible during a preflight inspection.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198404485
Occurrence date 21/01/1984
Location Mundabullangana
Report release date 25/09/1984
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-28
Registration VH-IMT
Operation type Aerial Work
Departure point Mundabullangana WA
Destination Mundabullangana WA
Damage Substantial