Investigation number
198400059
Occurrence date
Location
Farnborough Beach, 11 km N of Yeppoon
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

This flight was to be the pilot's first flight in a minimum aircraft. He was briefed to carry out a take-off and landing along the beach. When the aircraft became airborne a left bank was adopted and right rudder was used to attempt to regain directional control. As speed was increased directional control was achieved but oncoming obstructions made further manoeuvring necessary. After starting to climb, directional control was lost. The aircraft crashed into trees and caught fire. The pilot mentioned to his rescuers that the ailerons had been inoperative. The pilot later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Investigation of the apparent aileron failure was hampered by the degree of fire damage to the aircraft. This damage was a result of the inability of the plastic fuel tank to withstand the impact with the ground. The precise cause of the accident remains undetermined.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Col Winton
Model
Winton Grasshopper
Operation type
Sports Aviation
Departure point
Farnborough Beach, QLD
Departure time
1705
Destination
Farnborough Beach, QLD
Damage
Destroyed