Casualties unknown

2017-03-23: Gippsland Aeronautics Pty Ltd GA-8 (VH-AZH) — 50 km north-west of Hollins Bay ALA (Avoid Island), Queensland

50 km north-west of Hollins Bay ALA (Avoid Island), Queensland

On March 23, 2017, a Gippsland Aeronautics Pty Ltd GA-8 (registration VH-AZH) was involved in an aviation accident near 50 km north-west of Hollins Bay ALA (Avoid Island), Queensland. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Soft patches and wet grass on the runway prevented the aircraft from completing the take-off. This summary draws on records from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Sourcesthe Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)Primary reportUpdated 1779789432Data APIEditorial standards

Rainfall created soft patches on an island airstrip, causing a GA-8 aircraft to be unable to complete its take-off despite load-splitting and pilot calculations.

Background

The Chief Pilot visited the island three days prior to the accident flight and conducted an inspection of the Aircraft Landing Area (ALA), finding it in good condition. However, over the following three days, rainfall occurred, which created soft patches in the runway surface that were not present during the earlier inspection.

Operational Planning

To compensate for the degraded runway conditions, the operator decided to split the total load between two aircraft. This strategy was intended to provide more margin for the take-off operation. The pilot of the GA-8 subsequently calculated that the available runway length would be sufficient for the aircraft to complete the take-off, based on the load and anticipated performance.

Take-off Attempt

During the take-off roll, the GA-8 encountered the soft patches and wet grass on the runway. These surface conditions significantly reduced the aircraft's acceleration, preventing it from reaching the necessary take-off speed within the confines of the available runway. As a result, the aircraft was unable to become airborne and the take-off was not completed.

Findings

The soft patches and wet grass on the runway surface were the factors that prevented the aircraft from completing the take-off. No further details were provided.

Probable cause

Soft patches and wet grass on the runway prevented the aircraft from completing the take-off.