Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 27 November 1996
Aircraft Type: Fairchild SA227-DC Metro 23
Owner/operator: Skippers Aviation
Registration Number: VH-WAJ
Location: Bronzewing Airport, WA – ÿ Australia
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Left propellerLeft propeller
Investigating Agency: BASIBASI
Category: Accident
A Cessna 206N landed at Bronzewing Airport after a normal approach, encountering an unidentified emu approximately one-third of the runway. The aircraft immediately initiated reverse and braking maneuvers, moved to the right of the strip, and evaded the emu. The emu struck the left propeller during deceleration, causing damage to the fuselage. The pilot secured the aircraft and completed the landing and taxi on one engine.A Cessna 206N landed at Bronzewing Airport after a normal approach, encountering an unidentified emu approximately one-third of the runway. The aircraft immediately initiated reverse and braking maneuvers, moved to the right of the strip, and evaded the emu. The emu struck the left propeller during deceleration, causing damage to the fuselage. The pilot secured the aircraft and completed the landing and taxi on one engine.

Description

The crew reported that, following touchdown at Bronzewing Airport from a normal approach, they observed an unidentified object about a third of the way down the runway. As the aircraft approached the object it was identified as an emu which was close to the strip. The beta lights were confirmed and maximum reverse and braking were applied. At the same time the aircraft was moved to the right of the strip and away from the emu. The emu followed the aircraft and was struck by the left propeller as the aircraft decelerated through about 50 kts. It was thrown into the side of the fuselage. The pilot-in-command secured the left propeller and engine and the landing and taxi in were completed on one engine. The aerodrome had been inspected by a ground agent about 15 minutes prior to the aircraft’s arrival and there was no sign of the emu. The strip is surrounded by a animal-proof fence however the three gates are not self-closing. It was reported that the passenger gate had been left open overnight. It is likely the emu entered the aerodrome during the night and remained hidden until it was disturbed by the aircraft.

Primary Cause

Unidentified object striking the left propeller during deceleration.Unidentified object striking the left propeller during deceleration.

Share on:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *