Fuel starvation involving Piper PA-32R, VH-LPW, about 9 km south of Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, Victoria, on 1 May 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating an engine fuel starvation event involving a Piper PA-32R-301, registered VH-LPW, about 9 km south of Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, Victoria, on 1 May 2026.

While in cruise at 8,000 ft during a flight from Stawell Airport, Victoria, to Essendon Airport, the engine began running roughly. The pilot actioned emergency procedures including switching fuel tanks and diverted the aircraft to Bacchus Marsh where the aircraft landed without further 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.