Fuel starvation and forced landing involving Cessna 207, VH-UBW, 6.5 km north of Darwin Airport, Northern Territory, on 24 June 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a fuel exhaustion event and forced landing involving a Cessna 207, registered VH-UBW, 6.5 km north of Darwin Airport, Northern Territory, on 24 June 2026.

During the flight, the engine failed, reportedly due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot conducted a forced landing on a beach.

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the flight crew
• examining maintenance records
• analysing flight data and air traffic surveillance data
• analysing operational documentation.

The continuing investigation will include further analysis of:

• pilot records
• fuel documentation
• air traffic surveillance data and audio recordings.

A 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.