The ATSB is investigating a collision with water involving a Cessna 208 Caravan Amphibian, registered VH-WTY, near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, on 7 January 2025. On board was one pilot, and 6 passengers.
During the water take-off, the aircraft was observed to become airborne then impact the water. The pilot and 2 passengers were fatally injured, and 3 passengers sustained serious injuries.
The ATSB deployed a team of transport safety investigators to the accident site with experience in aircraft operations, maintenance, and human factors. As part of the on-site and evidence collection phase of the investigation, ATSB investigators will examine the aircraft wreckage and other information from the accident site. They will also examine recovered components, interview witnesses and any involved parties, examine maintenance records and operator procedures, retrieve and review recorded data, and collect other relevant information.
The ATSB calls for any witnesses who may have seen the accident, or any pilots operating in the area who may have heard radio calls from the accident aircraft, to make contact with us via the witness form on our website.
The ATSB will release a preliminary report detailing factual information established in the investigation’s evidence-gathering phase in about two months. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation and will detail analysis and findings.
However, if at any time during the investigation we discover a critical safety issue, the ATSB will work closely with the relevant stakeholders so action can be taken to address that issue.