Runway excursion involving a Cessna Aircraft Company 172P, VH-RWV, Dover, TAS on 26 October 1994

The pilot had been engaged in fire spotting. On returning to land he assessed the wind conditions, via the windsock and smoke drift, and proceeded to land into wind. On touchdown a wind gust caused the aircraft to drift to the right where it encountered soft soil. The aircraft veered further to the right until the leading edge of the right wing impacted the windsock pole. Significant Factors The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1. The aircraft encountered a wind gust on touchdown. 2. The aircraft encountered soft ground on the landing roll when it veered to the right.