Aviation safety investigations & reports
Cessna 404, VH-LAD, Lake Coonamooranie (55 km NW of Moomba) SA, 14 April 1985
Investigation number:
198500656
198500656
Status: Completed

Summary
During the landing roll the aircraft suddenly veered to the left. The pilot took corrective action but the nose gear collapsed and the nose section of the aircraft struck the strip surface. Although the strip was in regular use it was not being inspected. It was constructed on a dry lake-bed and the combination of no rain and regular use caused a soft patch to develop about 430 metres from the threshold. When the aircraft entered this area the nosewheel progressively turned left until it reached the stop. The sideload now imposed was too great and caused the noseleg bearing to fail.
General details
Date: | 14 April 1985 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 733 | ||||
Location: | Lake Coonamooranie (55 km NW of Moomba) | ||||
State: | South Australia | Occurrence type: | Loss of control | ||
Release date: | 14 August 1985 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Minor |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 404 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-LAD | |
Type of operation | Charter | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Adelaide SA | |
Departure time | 0733 | |
Destination | Lake Coonamooranie SA |