Investigation number
199501982
Occurrence date
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Collision with terrain
Occurrence class
Accident

When the pilot arrived over Toowoomba aerodrome he noted that the windsock favoured runway 29 and that the wind was strong. During late final approach he inadvertently allowed the speed to reduce too far and a bounced, heavy landing resulted. He applied full power to go around but a strong wind gust from the south (mainly crosswind) moved the aircraft sideways. The aircraft failed to achieve flying speed and struck the ground, left wing and nose low. When the aircraft came to rest, its three occupants left the cabin without assistance. They were not injured. A very experienced local pilot had landed some 20 minutes earlier and he said that he had nearly lost control in the gusting crosswind. The hangars are known to generate strong vortices over the eastern threshold in strong south-westerly wind conditions.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28-235
Registration
VH-BIO
Sector
Piston
Departure point
St George QLD
Destination
Toowoomba QLD
Damage
Substantial