Investigation number
198701443
Occurrence date
Location
3 km NW of Mitta Mitta
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

Upon arrival at Mitta Mitta the pilot performed a touch and go on the 1000 metre long gravel strip, before approaching for the full-stop landing. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right but was repositioned on the centreline within a short distance. However, it again veered to the right and departed the hard packed gravel surface of the strip and entered an area of long, damp grass. The pilot was unable to control the direction of travel and the aircraft encountered a drainage ditch, an earth mound and a fence before coming to rest with its noseleg collapsed. No fault was found with the aircraft systems that may have contributed to the accident. The pilot had not flown the aircraft for 18 months and it is probable that the veer was caused by differential braking in combination with the damp, slippery grass on the sides of the strip. Weather conditions were fine and calm and were not considered a factor.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
35
Registration
VH-ILY
Serial number
D-9132
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Albury NSW
Departure time
0930
Destination
Mitta Mitta VIC
Damage
Substantial