A light aircraft accident in March 22 has been blamed on a "lower than intended approach" to the runway, according to a report released yesterday by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
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The report went on to say that turbulence during the shallower than intended landing approach resulted in collison with terrain.
The crash resulted in serious injuries for both the pilot and passenger, and substantial damage to the aircraft.
On the day of the crash, the Cessna 172 aircraft, registered VH-CCB, took off for a short flight from a private airfield at Canyonleigh with the pilot and passenger on board.
Soon after take-off the aircraft experienced turbulence and the pilot and passenger decided to turn back.
"The pilot...elected to reduce power and land in a tree canopy about 50 metres short of the runway threshold," said the report said, before elaborating on the event:
"The aircraft turned for its final approach about one nautical mile from the runway threshold and 400 ft above aerodrome level.
"As it approached the runway over steep forested terrain, the pilot reported the approach profile was lower than intended and increased power.
"The aircraft then pitched-up on encountering turbulence.
"After correcting the pitch attitude, the pilot saw the aircraft remained lower than expected and was not aligned with the runway.
"Uncertain whether the aircraft would be able to climb over the canopy to the runway the pilot reduced power and landed in the tree canopy.
"The aircraft came to a rest 50 metres short of the threshold and to the left of the runway."
The ATSB report highlighted the importance of taking gusty or turbulent conditions into account during landing, and urged pilots to be prepared to abort a landing if it isn't safe.
Read the investigation report: AO-2020-020: Collision with terrain involving Cessna 172, VH-CBB, 31 km west of Mittagong, New South Wales, on 22 March 2020