Investigation number
198803425
Occurrence date
Location
Dynevor Downs (72 km ESE Thargomindah)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Fire
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

The pilot was stock-spotting with both side windows of the aircraft open. He noticed smoke trailing from the aircraft, and saw that some towelling material and a chamois were smouldering under the rear seat. He closed the windows to reduce the flow of air to these articles and proceeded to select a suitable landing area. In the meantime, smoke in the cabin forced him to open a side window again, resulting in the smouldering material bursting into flame. He attempted to douse the flames with water from his water bottle with little success. During the landing on a flat-topped hill, he had to keep his head out the window for visibility. The aircraft bounced several times and overturned. The pilot was knocked unconscious for a period of about five minutes. When he regained consciousness he released his harness and extinguished the remnants of the fire with the aircraft's extinguisher. He believes the loose extinguisher struck him on the head during the overturn sequence. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bellanca Aircraft Corp
Model
8
Registration
VH-KKZ
Serial number
325-79
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
Dynevor Downs QLD
Departure time
0820
Destination
Dynevor Downs QLD
Damage
Substantial