Loss of directional control during ferry flight takeoff

No fatalities • Leongatha, Australia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft overturned during a ferry flight takeoff following temporary repairs after a previous landing accident.

What happened

Following a previous forced landing in a field, an aircraft underwent temporary repairs to enable a ferry flight from the accident site to a nearby airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The plane crossed a drainage ditch and collided with a fence, which resulted in the aircraft overturning.

Prior to this flight, the field where the aircraft was located had been recently worked by the property owner, who used a rotary hoe to a depth of 10 centimeters. To prepare for the departure, the pilot used a motor vehicle to compress a 2.5-meter-wide strip along the center of the paddock. This strip followed a path that sloped roughly 3 degrees toward the north. At the time of the departure, the wind was recorded at 5 knots from the northeast.

Findings

An investigation into the aircraft's condition found no mechanical defects that would have caused the loss of control. However, the pilot utilized a takeoff power setting of only 53 percent of the maximum available power. This reduced power setting extended the required takeoff ground roll by approximately 170 meters, contributing to the excursion.

Probable cause

The use of a reduced power setting significantly lengthened the takeoff roll, leading to the aircraft exiting the prepared surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-04-05 GAF Nomad N.22 accident near Leongatha, Australia?

An aircraft overturned during a ferry flight takeoff following temporary repairs after a previous landing accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-04-05 GAF Nomad N.22 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-04-05 involved a GAF Nomad N.22, registration VH-DNM, operated by Sydney Skydivers Parachuting School, at Leongatha, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The use of a reduced power setting significantly lengthened the takeoff roll, leading to the aircraft exiting the prepared surface.

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