Runway undershoot involving an Amateur Built Long-EZ, VH-RGL, Moorabbin Aerodrome, Victoria, on 16 April 1996

199601214

Summary

The pilot reported that he made an unplanned diversion to Moorabbin due to unsuitable weather en route to his destination. His approach to runway 17 right was "on the low side" and late on the approach the airspeed decreased, and the sink rate increased. He applied power but this did not arrest the sink rate. The aircraft touched down heavily in soft earth short of the commencement of the sealed runway. This caused the nose landing gear assembly to collapse and then the nose section forward of the first bulkhead broke off as the aircraft slid onto the sealed runway. The aircraft was stopped in the grass on the right side of the runway.

The wind velocity reported by the tower at the time of the accident was from 200 deg at 15 to 20 kt.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199601214
Occurrence date 16/04/1996
Location Moorabbin Aerodrome
State Victoria
Report release date 17/04/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Amateur Built Aircraft
Model LONG-EZ
Registration VH-RGL
Sector Piston
Operation type Private
Departure point Launceston Tas
Destination Wangaratta Vic
Damage Substantial