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 starvation 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
• examination of maintenance records
• analysis of flight data and air traffic surveillance data
• operational documentation
• pilot records
• fuel documentation
• air traffic surveillance data and audio recordings.

The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.

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.