Wirestrike involving a Piper PA-31-350, VH-RNC, Comet, Queensland, on 24 July 1997

199702394

Summary

The pilot had completed a charter flight at Blackwater and was returning the aircraft to the company base at Emerald. Another company pilot, not endorsed on type, was the sole passenger.

Enroute to Emerald the pilot decided to do some low flying over a wheat crop. The aircraft struck a 3-phase power line about halfway across the paddock. The aircraft was arrested by the wires and came to rest upright in a fallowed part of the paddock. No one was injured.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199702394
Occurrence date 24/07/1997
Location Comet
State Queensland
Report release date 30/07/1997
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Wirestrike
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Corp
Model PA-31-350
Registration VH-RNC
Sector Piston
Operation type Charter
Departure point Blackwater QLD
Destination Emerald QLD
Damage Substantial