A pilot who survived a Van’s RV-8 light aircraft accident near Gladstone in Queensland was likely wearing a 5-point restraint, an ATSB final report notes.
The pilot and sole occupant of the amateur-built RV-8 encountered engine issues soon after taking off from a private airstrip at Old Station, west of Gladstone, on 23 November 2025.
The pilot initially turned to land on a secondary runway, but assessed they could not clear a deep gully before reaching the threshold, so conducted a forced landing in a paddock.
ATSB examination of the wreckage found evidence of high deceleration forces on impact, including damage to the main landing gear axle, brake and wheel assemblies, and the main landing gear legs.
Impact forces had also caused one or both wing fuel tanks to be breached, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Fortunately, the pilot survived the impact and extricated themselves from the wreckage.
Seriously injured, the pilot then crawled roughly 2 km to the property owner’s home, where emergency services were called.
“The aircraft was fitted with a 5-point restraint which was likely being worn by the pilot on the accident flight,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
Mr Mitchell noted one of the ATSB’s SafetyWatch priorities is Reducing the severity of injuries in accidents involving small aircraft.
“In several investigations the ATSB has found injuries to aircraft occupants have been avoided, or made less severe, through the appropriate use of multi-point harnesses,” he said.
The extent of the post-impact fire prevented the ATSB from identifying the cause of the engine power loss, but propeller blade damage indicated the engine was not running at impact.
“Managing a partial power loss or total engine failure during or after take-off increases stress and uncertainty at a time when a pilot’s workload is already high,” Mr Mitchell said.
“This is why, during pre-flight planning, pilots should always assess the actions they can take should an emergency occur, as this can help reduce mental workload and increase the likelihood of a safe outcome.”
Read the final report: Forced landing and collision with terrain involving Van's RV-8, VH-YGY, 40 km west of Gladstone Airport, Queensland, on 23 November 2025