Investigation number
198502533
Occurrence date
Location
Kempsey
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

The pilot reported that the aircraft was flared normally for the night landing, but it dropped suddenly and struck the runway heavily. Damage was caused to the nose gear strut. The pilot, believing he was losing control of the aircraft, carried out a go-around. During the subsequent landing, the pilot was unable to steer the aircraft which veered to the left and struck a cone marker before being brought to a stop. The aircraft had been observed to fly a close base leg followed by a steep final approach path. The pilot had misjudged the landing flare and during the subsequent heavy landing the nose gear strut was pushed upward through the aircraft nose, dislodging the windscreen and disconnecting the nose wheel steering. Unknown to the pilot, the propellers also contacted the runway and the tips of all blades had been bent.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-34
Registration
VH-AOQ
Operation type
Business
Departure point
Bankstown NSW
Departure time
1650
Destination
Kempsey NSW
Damage
Substantial