An ATSB preliminary report details early factual information established as part of its ongoing investigation into a June 2023 accident involving a Cessna 210 charter aircraft on Groote Eylandt, in the Northern Territory, in which four passengers were seriously injured.
A piston-engined Cessna 210L landed off the runway and flipped over at Groote Eylandt Airport on 16 June.
The preliminary report notes the pilot had just taken off in an easterly direction when they noticed fuel flow fluctuations and engine surging.
The pilot made a radio broadcast on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) of their intention to return to land at the airport, and turned the aircraft around.
During the descent, the aircraft passed diagonally over the eastern end of the runway, and then continued parallel to it, before passing the western runway threshold at an altitude of about 100 ft.
“The aircraft continued to descend, before touching down in a clear grassed area about 500 m beyond the end of the runway,” Director Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley said.
The aircraft rolled along the ground for about 120 m, with a recorded groundspeed of 87—62 kt, before hitting an embankment on one side of a culvert, then a larger embankment on the other side.
The aircraft flipped over and came to a rest, inverted, on a mine service road.
Four of the five passengers were seriously injured, while the pilot and fifth passenger sustained minor injuries.
ATSB investigators examined the wreckage and accident site and recovered components for further examination.
They also interviewed relevant parties, and collected aircraft, pilot and operator documentation.
“The ATSB has also analysed engine data management system information, as well as video recordings and recorded flight data,” Dr Godley added.
“Moving forward, our investigators will review and examine the aircraft components which were recovered from the accident site, and will also review the documentation gathered.”
The investigation will also include analysis of engine data management system information, and a review of airport documentation and the runway end safety area.
A final report, which will include analysis and detail the ATSB’s findings, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken,” Dr Godley concluded.
Read the preliminary report: Partial engine power loss and runway excursion involving Cessna 210L VH-FTM, near Groote Eylandt Airport, Northern Territory, on 16 June 2023