Collision with terrain involving a Czechoslovak Automobile & A/C L40, VH-ENG, Benambra, Victoria, on 21 March 1993

The pilot reported that he was making an aerial inspection of the Benambra airstrip prior to landing. He overflew the strip at about 150 feet above the ground and then commenced a left turn at a bank angle of about 45 degrees. While turning, the pilot said he was looking at obstructions in the vicinity of the airstrip and neglected to monitor the airspeed. He felt the aircraft shudder and then it stalled. He managed to level the wings but was unable to arrest the descent. The aircraft struck the ground in a flat attitude in swampland immediately to the north of the strip.

The pilot said that the day was hot and the aircraft was heavier than usual, in that there were three persons on board. Usually he is the sole occupant. The elevation of the airstrip is 2250 feet.

Significant Factors

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

1. The pilot became distracted while manoeuvring in the circuit area and as a result the airspeed decayed and the aircraft stalled.

2. The pilot was operating the aircraft in a circuit area at a higher density altitude and higher weight than what he normally operated at.