The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into an accident involving a Cessna 210 single-engine charter aircraft with a pilot and five passengers on board at Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, on Friday afternoon.
As reported to the ATSB, during take-off the aircraft experienced engine issues and the pilot attempted to return to Groot Eylandt. During approach, the aircraft collided with terrain and came to a rest inverted.
The ATSB is preparing to deploy a team of transport safety investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance, to conduct an examination of the aircraft wreckage and accident site.
Investigators will also obtain and review any recorded data, weather information, pilot, passenger and witness reports, and aircraft operator procedures and maintenance records.
Any relevant components will be recovered to be transported to the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra for further examination.
The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation.
However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.