Forced/precautionary landing involving a Cessna 172P, VH-SIZ, 1 km north-north-east of Latrobe Valley, Victoria, on 1 April 1994

On the flight from Flinders Island an electrical failure occurred. The pilot continued to Latrobe Valley and made a landing approach behind another aircraft. On final approach, for runway 21, the aircraft was too low, and the pilot advanced the throttle to correct for this. The engine missed then fired again. The pilot checked the carburettor heat setting and found that it was in the hot position. He pumped the throttle, and the engine kept losing and gaining power and then ran normally.

Because of the low height and the terrain ahead, which included a power line, the pilot elected to put the aircraft down in a small clear area. A very heavy touchdown followed, and the aircraft ran through a fence before stopping.

Following the accident the aircraft was found to contain an adequate amount of fuel. No inspection of the engine or its systems was carried out, and the reason for the interruption of power was not determined.

Significant Factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. A partial engine power loss and engine rough running for an undetermined reason.

2. The decision, by the pilot, to land in a small but immediately adjacent clear area.

3. The aircraft was landed heavily.