Fuel exhaustion resulting in a forced landing involving Cessna 172P, VH-CIY, 58 km west of Latrobe Regional Airport, Victoria, on 14 April 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a forced landing involving a Cessna 172P, registered VH-CIY, 58 km west of Latrobe Regional Airport, Victoria, on 14 April 2026.

During cruise, the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion and the crew conducted a forced landing in a field. No injuries or damage to aircraft were reported.

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.