Investigation number
198800139
Occurrence date
Location
Narrogin
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 conducting a short cross country flight. As he approached the end of the final leg he realised that there was insufficient height available for the aircraft to make a safe landing at the destination aerodrome. A decision was made to attempt an out-landing as the aircraft passed through 1200 feet on the descent. At that height the choice of fields was restricted and the one that was chosen for the landing was unsuitable. The landing area was covered with long grass and sloped downwards and from right to left. A shallow gully also crossed the area. During the final stages of the approach the right wing touched the ground and long grass causing the aircraft to yaw violently and enter a ground loop. The aircraft finally touched down whilst it was travelling sideways and it came to rest after travelling backwards along the paddock. The pilot was not authorised to conduct cross country flights in the particular aircraft type as he had not completed the required number of flight hours and landings. This accident was not the subject of an on scene investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH
Model
Cirrus
Registration
VH-GZU
Serial number
N/K
Operation type
Gliding
Departure point
Narrogin WA
Departure time
1344
Destination
Narrogin WA
Damage
Substantial