Investigation number
198800717
Occurrence date
Location
Strathalbyn
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Hard landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft had recently been returned to service after a landing accident which involved a failure of the right maingear. The pilot had only flown the aircraft once since the accident and was conducting circuit training to restore his currency. On his second circuit, the landing was heavier than normal and on the right side of the grass strip. During the landing roll, the pilot heard an unusual noise and the right wing dropped slightly. Despite efforts by the pilot, the aircraft veered off the right side of the strip into soft plowed ground and came to rest on the right wingtip. Examination of a broken rear bracing tube of the right maingear showed that it had failed in overload. There was no evidence of a pre-existing fault, however, the possibility that the failed component had been weakened in the previous accident could not be discounted.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
American Champion Aircraft Corp
Model
7
Registration
VH-UEJ
Serial number
7FC-281
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Strathalbyn SA
Departure time
1710
Destination
Strathalbyn SA
Damage
Substantial