The ATSB is investigating a forced landing involving a Cessna 208, registered VH-UMV, near Barwon Heads airport, on 20 October 2023.
During initial climb, the pilot observed an engine malfunction and conducted a forced landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Of the 17 parachutists on board the aircraft, 6 sustained serious injuries, 8 sustained minor injuries, and 2 were uninjured.
In the course of the investigation, the ATSB identified potential limitations in risk controls and organisational factors relevant to the occurrence that were considered likely to have contributed to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent a significant increase in the scope of this investigation, and it was upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).
The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.
Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.
The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.