Runway excursion involving a Cessna U206F, VH-TDQ, Nebo (ALA), Queensland, on 25 September 1996

The pilot reported that on arrival at Nebo the wind direction was variable at about 10 knots but favouring a landing towards the north. The pilot said that he joined crosswind and flew a left circuit for the northerly runway. After the aircraft was established on final approach at about 80 knots, full flap was selected and airspeed was reduced to between 55 and 60 knots. The pilot stated that as the aircraft reached flare height with the right wing slightly down to compensate for crosswind, power was reduced, and the aircraft contacted the runway heavily. This was followed by a further two impacts and the aircraft veered off the sealed runway. After control was regained, the aircraft was taxied back onto the runway and shut down. The landing impact caused permanent deformation of the rear fuselage and damaged to the nosewheel strut. The damage was not noticed until some time after the aircraft had been flown back to Cloncurry. The aircraft was fitted with a Narco 10 Emergency Locator Transmitter, but it was not activated by the heavy landing.

This was the pilots first flight in a Cessna 206, and although correctly endorsed under the group endorsement system, he had no previous training or experience on this particular aircraft type.

The accident was a direct result of the approach being made at an excessively low airspeed, and inappropriate flying technique.