Investigation number
198401373
Occurrence date
Location
95 km SW of Dubbo
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
While cruising at 6000 feet on a night VMC flight the pilot encountered a heavy rain shower. During an attempted 180 degree turn the aircraft entered a spiral dive and in the recovery from this dive the aircraft was evidently overstressed. After diverting to Parkes the pilot flew to his planned destination on the following day. The damage sustained by the wings was not detected until a subsequent daily inspection.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28
Registration
VH-FSD
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Moree NSW
Departure time
N/K
Destination
Griffith NSW
Damage
Substantial