Investigation number
198703467
Occurrence date
Location
Well Close, 150km North-west of Charleville
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot had been advised by the property owner to land on a strip about two kilometres from the homestead instead of the usual strip. The available strip length was 1400 metres which was adequate for the operation. The pilot reported that when the aircraft became low during the later stages of the approach, he applied power, but realised that the main wheels would probably pass through tall grass near the threshold. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot heard and felt a loud bang. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft adopted a left wing low attitude before the propeller blades of the left engine and left wing tip contacted the ground. The aircraft slewed through 90 degrees to the left and ran off the strip. The investigation revealed that when the landing gear was allowed to pass through the long grass in the undershoot area, it struck a concealed mound of earth, seven metres prior to the threshold. The impact caused the left oleo leg to become detached from the aircraft.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
90
Registration
VH-FDP
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
Jackson QLD
Departure time
1540
Destination
Well Close QLD
Damage
Substantial