Engine power loss - Cessna 206G aircraft, VH-LAN, near William Creek ALA, Lake Eyre, South Australia, on 23 August 2011

On 23 August 2011, at about 1145 CST, a Cessna Aircraft Company model U206G aircraft, registered VH-LAN, was conducting a charter flight from Olympic Dam to William Creek Aircraft Landing Area (ALA) near Lake Eyre, South Australia, with the pilot and five passengers aboard, incurred an engine power loss. As a result, the pilot conducted a forced landing onto a dry lakebed. During the landing, the aircraft nose wheel sunk into the soft ground and the aircraft nosed over with the propeller blades and left-wing tip contacting the ground, then settled onto the landing gear. There were no injuries to the occupants who exited the aircraft without incident. Subsequent examination revealed that one engine cylinder had failed.

As a result of this accident, the operator chose to remove from service all engine cylinders provided by the specific manufacturer.