Incident Summary
A pilot, the sole occupant, departed Corowa Airport on a ferry flight bound for Yarrawonga. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot detected a smell of burning rubber and, suspecting a fire, decided to return to the airport. The pilot executed a landing downwind on the crossing runway. During the landing roll, control was lost, and the aircraft violently ground-looped, resulting in the collapse of the undercarriage.
Damage and Recovery
The aircraft was not insured, and its loss was a financial blow to the company operating it. During recovery efforts using a crane, the tail section broke away from the rear fuselage. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it irreparable.
Pilot Condition
The pilot was unhurt in the incident.