Investigation number
198702380
Occurrence date
Location
Bankstown
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 had hired the aircraft in order to maintain currency on the type. After an uneventful flight in the training area he returned to the circuit and carried out a normal approach. However, shortly after touchdown the aircraft swerved to the left and the pilot was unable to regain directional control. The aircraft ran off the side of the runway and the nosegear collapsed. It was discovered that the elevator trim had been set almost fully nose down, and the rudder trim was set almost fully nose left at the time of the accident. The nosewheel had contacted the runway at about the same time as the mainwheels, and it was likely that the subsequent loss of control was the result of the aircraft "wheel-barrowing" on the nosewheel. The pilot, who had only limited experience on the type, had believed that the aircraft had been correctly trimmed prior to touchdown.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28
Registration
VH-NBF
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Bankstown NSW
Departure time
N/K
Destination
Bankstown NSW
Damage
Substantial