Investigation number
198701417
Occurrence date
Location
Latrobe Valley
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot was approaching to land in what he believed were light wind conditions. As he crossed the threshold he realised that there was a tailwind component, but elected to continue the approach. Touchdown occurred with about 415 metres of the strip remaining. During the landing roll the pilot became concerned that the aircraft would not stop before the boundary fence, and a ground loop was attempted. The left maingear collapsed as the aircraft came to rest 103 metres from the end of the runway. The landing attempt had been made in 12 to 15 knot downwind conditions. The pilot had assessed the wind direction from the smoke emitted by nearby power stations. He had not noticed the direction indicated by the two windsocks at the aerodrome. It was likely that the pilot was mentally fatigued following a long and difficult day at his workplace, and he may have been pre-occupied with business matters which were related to the reason for the particular flight.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-34
Registration
VH-STT
Operation type
Business
Departure point
Tyabb VIC
Departure time
1730
Destination
Latrobe Valley VIC
Damage
Substantial