Collision with terrain involving a Piper PA-28-161, VH-TVQ, 16 km south-east of Swan Hill, Victoria, on 5 November 1995

The pilot said he had landed at the small grass strip a couple of times before. He flew to the area and made inspection runs over the strip at a height of about 100 feet. He then made a landing approach. The aircraft touched down about one quarter of the way in and bounced.

Because there was insufficient landing distance remaining, the pilot applied engine power and selected two stages of flap for a go-around. Lift off was made at 55 knots but the wheels struck a bank at the end of the strip. This impact severely damaged the undercarriage. The pilot turned the aircraft to the left towards a small clear paddock. However, in doing so the left wing struck a small tree and the aircraft cartwheeled.

Significant Factors

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

1 Unsound decision by the pilot to land the aircraft at a strip of minimal dimensions.

2 Misjudged landing approach.

3 The flight was not authorised by a designated responsible person.

4 The operator's procedures did not require the flight to be so authorised.