Collision with terrain involving Cessna 172N, VH-SCU, about 6 km south-south-east of Newcastle Waters, Northern Territory, on 7 November 2025

The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Cessna 172N, registration VH-SCU, about 6 km south-south-east of Newcastle Waters, Northern Territory, on 7 November 2025.

The aircraft was operating a dual low-level training exercise, with a flight instructor and student pilot on board. While conducting a turn the student pilot lost control of the aircraft and it collided with terrain. The instructor received minor injuries, and the student was uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.

The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the flight crew
• examination of maintenance and pilot records
• analysis of meteorological data
• examination of operational records.

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.