Investigation number
198801382
Occurrence date
Location
West Sister Island
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Runway excursion
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

On arrival at the destination, the pilot discovered that the wind direction indicator was missing. He assumed the wind would be the same as at the DEPARTURE strip, only 17 kilometres away. Because of concern about turbulence and windshear, the pilot elected to fly a faster than normal approach. The aircraft touched down about 150 metres into the 510 metre strip. The grass surface was wet, and the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft running off the end of the strip, where it collided with bushes. The pilot was probably fatigued after a 5 1/2 hour hike earlier in the day. His judgement of distance to run, during the landing roll, was impaired by rain on the windshield. Also, with the imminent approach of poor weather, the pilot elected not to go around when he realized that he might run off the strip. It is likely that the landing attempt was made in light downwind conditions. The strip was not approved for use by the aircraft operator, and the pilot had not requested approval to use it. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172
Registration
VH-WYJ
Serial number
17266471
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Killiecrankie TAS
Departure time
1757
Destination
West Sister Island TAS
Damage
Substantial