Investigation number
198903820
Occurrence date
Location
Emu Plains, 5km North-East of Bonshaw
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Runway excursion
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
None

On a flight from Coolangatta to Bonshaw, the pilot identified the Authorised Landing Area (ALA) by spotting a white utility vehicle which he had been assured would be waiting for him. After he landed he found this was not the ALA he had been looking for. After obtaining new directions from the driver of the utility, he inspected the paddock by driving the vehicle the full 1000m length available. During the subsequent takeoff the aircraft had accelerated to about 45 knots, when it encountered some undulations. This retarded its progress, but the pilot forced it into the air in ground effect. The aircraft did not accelerate further in the nose high attitude and sank back onto the ground. It overran the takeoff area and struck a boundary fence. Apparently the pilot had used two stages of flap for the takeoff attempt and had not availed himself of options to use a more suitable takeoff direction or off-load his passengers. His original destination was only a short distance away to the south-west.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28
Registration
VH-SVY
Serial number
28-7615191
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Emu Plains QLD
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Bonshaw NSW
Damage
Substantial