Investigation number
198803472
Occurrence date
Location
Maggieville (20 km NNE Normanton)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot was landing at a strip aligned 070 degrees. He estimated the wind to have been gusting 20-25 knots from 090-120 degrees. Neither drift nor turbulence were excessive on finals. However, as the aircraft was flared, it suddenly rolled rapidly left to what the pilot judged was more than 60 degrees of bank. Despite the application of full power and opposite rudder, the pilot was unable to prevent the left wing contacting the upper branches of trees to the left of the strip. This resulted in the aircraft striking the ground nose first and coming to rest 80 metres left of the strip. The conditions existing at the time of the accident were such that strong wind gusts were possible. Other pilots who had used the strip reported experiencing wind gusts at a similar stage of the approach.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28
Registration
VH-MSN
Serial number
28-7816668
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Maggieville QLD
Departure time
1625
Destination
Maggieville QLD
Damage
Substantial