Forced/precautionary landing involving a Cessna 182A, VH-RYS, 7 km east-north-east of Derby, Western Australia, on 30 August 1994

The pilot reported that the aircraft was on descent when the engine lost power. He attempted to maintain altitude but was unable to do so.

The pilot sighted what appeared to be a gravel strip of sufficient length in the middle of the mud flats he was overflying, and he decided to fly an approach for a landing on that strip.

On late final approach, the pilot observed some powerlines crossing the end of the strip. He manoeuvred to avoid the powerlines but was unable to line the aircraft up properly, again, with the strip before the touchdown. The aircraft ran off the side of the strip and the horizontal stabiliser collided with an earth bank.

The reason for the power loss was not determined.