Parkes: Propeller failure causes pilot to land in paddock

An experienced pilot was forced to land in a Parkes paddock. Read the reason for the emergency landing here.

The bush aircraft SuperStol in a paddock. Photo: Phill Hargreaves

A pilot with over 45 years of recreational experience was flying to the Avalon Airshow in Geelong when he was caught in a shock turn of events forcing him to land in a stranger’s paddock.

Pill Hargreaves flew out of Forbes after a top up when he felt a “sudden and serious” vibration.

Mr Hargreaves discovered he sheared some propeller bolts and needed replacements.

“I knew I needed to get to the ground immediately,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“Due to the strong winds, I was only 300 metres above ground - normally I would fly a bit higher.

“I had a minute or two to get on the ground after I noticed the failure.”

The bush aircraft SuperStol in a paddock. Photo: Phill Hargreaves

The map of where Mr Hargreaves had to fly in order to safely land on the paddock.

Mr Hargreaves carried out an “emergency landing” in the paddock without making emergency calls to the radio.

“I landed in his paddock quite safely because I am fairly well versed at that kind of landing,” he said. “My aircraft is a bush plane, so I was fairly confident because I knew the aircraft was capable of landing in an area like that.

“I thought it was just another landing.”

Mr Hargreaves said this was his second time conducting a surprise landing, so he was aware to keep calm.

“Being aware of what could go wrong and knowing how to manage what could go wrong keeps you calm and collected,” he said.

The bush aircraft SuperStol in a paddock. Photo: Phill Hargreaves

“You have to get it right because you only get one chance.

“The decisions you make as a pilot need to be the right decisions for the right reasons otherwise, you’re going to get yourself into serious trouble.”

After his successful landing, Mr Hargreaves introduced himself to the property owner Mitch Haddrill.

“He drove me into town to buy the bolts that I needed but the hardware store we went to didn’t have any,” he said.

“Mitch called every store within a hundred km radius and found some available in Giffith.

“He told me he couldn’t drive me there but he got out his old commodore from his shed, filled it with petrol then let me drive it to collect the parts.

“I met him an hour ago.

“The amazing hospitality and generosity of the people in rural communities is just amazing.

“He literally said ‘here’s my car, I’m happy to help.

“He didn’t have to do a thing for me, but it is valuable and resourceful to have people like that in times of need.”

The day before the incident, Mr Hargreaves had a training session with Dubbo instructor Dan Compton who furthered his training with low and bush flying.

The Wings Out West instructor said it is “upsetting” to hear that Mr Hargreaves landed in a paddock, but he is “relieved” that he is okay, and he made good decisions.

“He rang me up and said that I helped him with the landing,” Mr Compton said.

“I think aviation is very safe, but sadly, it is very unforgiving.

“Training is designed to bring people up to competency and set them free to go with themselves, but it’s the experience and further training that allows people to get up to proficiency.”