Summary
The pilot of the accident aircraft released from an aerotow about 4 km south-west of the airfield at 1,800 ft above ground level and immediately encountered strong sink so decided to return for a landing.
At about 2km short of the airfield he realised that the glider would not reach the runway and turned towards a suitable open field for an outlanding. Strong sink was encountered throughout the approach causing the glider to undershoot and strike small fruit trees in an orchard at the edge of the field.
The day had been fine but very hot, with other pilots also reporting areas of strong lift and equivalent sink.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199403122 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/10/1994 |
| Location | 2 km south of Waikerie |
| State | South Australia |
| Report release date | 12/02/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Grob - Burkhart Flugzeugbau |
|---|---|
| Model | Twin Astir |
| Registration | VH-IKO |
| Sector | Other |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Waikerie SA |
| Destination | Waikerie SA |
| Damage | Substantial |