Investigation number
199300562
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Collision with terrain
Occurrence category
Accident

The pilot reported that he was making an aerial inspection of the Benambra airstrip prior to landing. He overflew the strip at about 150 feet above the ground and then commenced a left turn at a bank angle of about 45 degrees. While turning, the pilot said he was looking at obstructions in the vicinity of the airstrip and neglected to monitor the airspeed. He felt the aircraft shudder and then it stalled. He managed to level the wings but was unable to arrest the descent. The aircraft struck the ground in a flat attitude in swampland immediately to the north of the strip. The pilot said that the day was hot and the aircraft was heavier than usual, in that there were three persons on board. Usually he is the sole occupant. The elevation of the airstrip is 2250 feet. Significant Factors The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1 The pilot became distracted while manoeuvring in the circuit area and as a result the airspeed decayed and the aircraft stalled 2 The pilot was operating the aircraft in a circuit area at a higher density altitude and higher weight than what he normally operated at.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Czechoslovak Automobile & A/C
Model
L40
Registration
VH-ENG
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Benambra VIC
Destination
Benambra VIC
Damage
Substantial