Summary
The pilot reported that just prior to taking off during a spreading operation, a line squall had passed over the strip. Soon after becoming airborne the aircraft encountered an area of turbulence with associated sink, which it could not outclimb. Although the pilot attempted to dump the load of fertiliser to improve climb performance, the aircraft struck the ground in a level attitude and collided with a water pump, tearing the nose landing gear leg from the aircraft.
It was later determined that the fertiliser was damp, which adversely affected the dump capability of the aircraft.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199501918 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 27/06/1995 |
| Location | 1 km east of Quirindi Aerodrome |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 07/07/1995 |
| 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 | Airparts NZ Ltd |
|---|---|
| Model | FU-24 |
| Registration | VH-SFL |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Quirindi NSW |
| Destination | Quirindi NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |