Investigation number
198602334
Occurrence date
Location
Ballina
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft crossed the threshold higher than the pilot desired, and touchdown occurred well into the 900 metre strip. After initially running normally along the ground, the aircraft bounced twice before coming to rest in a nosedown attitude. Investigation revealed that the aircraft had landed on the left side of the strip, where the surface was very rough, and the aircraft had suffered a broken nosegear fork. The nosewheel had become detached and the nose strut was pulled away from the firewall. The pilot was feeling fatigued after completing 7 hours flying for the day. He had elected not to go around when the aircraft was high on the approach, as adequate strip length remained for a safe landing. The rough area of the strip was not visible from the air, and the aircraft entered this area at a higher speed than would have resulted from a touchdown at the normal aiming point.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
210
Registration
VH-BEC
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Mudgee NSW
Departure time
1111
Destination
Ballina NSW
Damage
Substantial