Investigation number
198602301
Occurrence date
Location
Moruya
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

After a normal approach, the pilot was surprised when the aircraft bounced on initial touchdown. A second bounce occurred, during which the pilot applied power to cushion the next touchdown. The power application seemed to have little effect and the nosewheel and propeller struck the ground heavily. The aircraft then ran off the side of the runway and collided with a fence. The pilot had been given a check flight on the aircraft two days previously. During this check, he was advised to use less flap for landing than that specified in the Flight Manual. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was being operated in excess of the maximum permitted all-up-weight. The pilot advised that he had not carried out a weight and balance calculation because the hiring organisation had assured him that the aircraft could be operated with full fuel tanks and four persons on board. Following the bounced landing the pilot had not initiated a go around and directional control had been lost after the nosegear suffered damage on heavy contact with the runway.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
23
Registration
VH-ARF
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Canberra ACT
Departure time
1000
Destination
Moruya NSW
Damage
Substantial