Investigation number
198401430
Occurrence date
Location
Lismore
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Loss of control
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The pilot reported that he was making a landing approach in 10 knot crosswind conditions. After the first touchdown he experienced difficulty in maintaining directional control and elected to carry out a go-around. On the subsequent approach the aircraft touched down prematurely and bounced. While airborne the aircraft commenced to drift to the right, before touching down and bouncing again. A go-around was initiated but the aircraft drifted further to the right and struck a fence 64 metres from the runway centre-line. It was estimated that the wind was actually gusting up to about 20 knots across the runway and was therefore above the maximum crosswind limit for the aircraft type. The pilot had been unable to maintain directional control during the go around and the tailwheel had snagged on the fence.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-18
Registration
VH-ECN
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Archerfield QLD
Departure time
1513
Destination
Lismore NSW
Damage
Substantial