Sumamry
On 20 December 2011, at about 1500 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna Aircraft Company 188B Ag wagon, registered VH-SHM, collided with terrain after experiencing difficulty becoming airborne from a station property near St George, Queensland. The purpose of the flight was the aerial application of herbicide to control weeds on the property. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and sustained serious injuries.
The pilot was relatively new to the aerial application industry and inexperienced on the aircraft type. The aircraft had recently had a new propeller and hub fitted pursuant to an engineering order.
Approved Agricultural pilots are reminded of the importance of supervision of newly rated agricultural pilots. The accident also highlights the importance of pilots being aware of the maintenance that has been performed on an aircraft and the value of a test flight being performed by a pilot experienced with the aircraft type following maintenance.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2011-164 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 20/12/2011 |
| Location | 13 km NE St George Airport |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 24/05/2012 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Runway excursion |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 188 |
| Registration | VH-SHM |
| Serial number | 18802903T |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | St George Airport, QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |