Safety in the vicinity of non-towered aerodromes - Australian ...

7 OUTCOMES OF CONFLICTS
7.1 Accidents and serious incidents
7.1.1 Accidents with fatal injuries and aircraft damage
While almost all occurrences across the reporting period were incidents in which no
injuries or damage occurred, seven accidents and serious incidents did result in
damage and/or injuries.
In April 2004, a formation of three de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth aircraft was on
approach to land at Torquay Aerodrome, Vic., when weather conditions deteriorated
to heavy drizzle with reduced visibility. One of the aircraft landed on an all-over
field 30 , while the other two aircraft inadvertently approached and landed on opposite
ends of runway 18/36. The thresholds of this runway are not visible from the
opposing threshold due to a crest in the runway. While at taxi speed, the aircrafts'
wingtips collided due to a lack of forward visibility in the taxi attitude. Radio
difficulties also contributed to the accident. There were no injuries.
In March 2005, two Rolladen-Schneider LS7 gliders collided in mid air while
manoeuvring near Dookie Aerodrome, Vic. The pilot of one glider sustained a serious
injury, but was able to parachute to safety. The pilot of the second glider was fatally
injured. Both gliders were destroyed.
In December 2005, two Piper PA-28 Warrior aircraft collided 2 km north-east of
Coldstream Aerodrome, Vic. The instructor and student on board one of the aircraft
were conducting circuit training at Coldstream Aerodrome; the instructor and student
on board the other aircraft were returning to nearby Lilydale Aerodrome from a local
training area, overflying the Coldstream Aerodrome circuit area at above 2,000 ft
above mean sea level (AMSL). The instructor of the aircraft operating at Coldstream
reported that the aircraft had climbed above the nominated circuit height of 1,500 ft
AMSL, but was not certain of the maximum altitude their aircraft reached. That
aircraft sustained substantial damage, but was able to return to Coldstream
Aerodrome (Figure 13). The transiting aircraft sustained minor damage, and
continued on to Lilydale Aerodrome. There were no injuries.
30 A graded (usually grass) area designated for landing, but without defined runways. Aircraft generally
approach all-over fields from the most favourable heading for the prevailing wind.
- 57 -