Investigation number
198401427
Occurrence date
Location
20 km North of Chillingham
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and intended taking it to his local aerodrome. About 20 minutes after DEPARTURE the engine suddenly lost all power and the pilot was committed to a landing on unsuitable terrain. On landing the nose and left main wheels were torn off and, the left wing main spar was broken. When inspecting the aircraft after it had come to rest, the pilot discovered a loose connection in the fuel line on the inlet side of the fuel filter bowl. The aircraft had stood disused at the DEPARTURE ALA for about two years and the pilot conducted a detailed pre-flight inspection and a test flight before DEPARTURE. The maintenance release was not readily available prior to DEPARTURE, but its inspection subsequent to the accident indicated that no maintenance inspections had been conducted on the aircraft during the previous 27 months.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Victa Ltd
Model
100
Registration
VH-BNV
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Surfers Gardens QLD
Departure time
1010
Destination
Casino NSW
Damage
Substantial