Investigation number
196900002
Occurrence date
Location
Rockhampton
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Hard landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
After take-off and at a height of 80 feet, the pilot noticed
that the front baggage compartment door was open. With
approximately 2,500 feet of runway remaining he decided to land
immediately and, without changing the attitude of the aircraft,
closed the throttle. The aircraft sank rapidly and power was not
increased until just before the aircraft landed heavily in a level
attitude.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-32
Registration
VH-CHT
Operation type
Charter
Departure point
Rockhampton Aero
Departure time
1710
Destination
Jellingbah Station
Damage
Substantial