Summary
The ATSB is investigating an occurrence involving a Cessna 208 Caravan VH-KSA, near Kalumburu Aerodrome, Western Australia, on 11 December 2025.
The pilot reduced engine power in a late downwind position on final approach to Kalumburu Aerodrome when the engine had an uncommanded rapid acceleration to full power with associated check torque and check temperature warnings on the master warning panel.
The pilot manipulated the power lever with no engine power response to inputs. The pilot elected to shut the engine down, feather the propeller and conduct a power off glide in landing. The landing was successfully completed without incident.
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-2025-075 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/12/2025 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 0900 Australian Western Standard Time |
| Location | Near Kalumburu Aerodrome |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q4 2026 |
| Investigation level | Defined |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Final report: External review |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Abnormal engine indications, Engine failure or malfunction |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 208B |
| Registration | VH-KSA |
| Serial number | 208B0516 |
| Aircraft operator | Aviair Pty Ltd |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Part 135 Air transport operations - smaller aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Non-scheduled-Passenger transport charters |
| Departure point | Broome Airport, Western Australia |
| Destination | Kalumburu Aerodrome, Western Australia |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |