Summary
The ATSB is investigating a flight below minimum altitude involving Cirrus SR22T, VH-XXO, 10 km east of Canberra Airport, Australian Capital Territory, on 2 October 2025.
The aircraft did not adhere to the height or tracking requirements during approach and subsequently descended below the minimum safe altitude. The controller issued a safety alert, followed by a visual approach that did not meet the requirements of operations after last light.
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.
Last updated:
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2025-061 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 02/10/2025 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 08:40 UTC |
| Location | 10 km east of Canberra Airport |
| State | Australian Capital Territory |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q4 2026 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Final report: External review |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Flight below minimum altitude, Information/procedural error, Operational non-compliance |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cirrus Design Corporation |
|---|---|
| Model | SR22T |
| Registration | VH-XXO |
| Serial number | 8710 |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Part 91 General operating and flight rules |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Unknown general aviation flying |
| Departure point | Wangaratta Airport, Victoria |
| Destination | Canberra Airport, Australian Capital Territory |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |