Summary
The ATSB is investigating a collision with water involving a Beech Baron 58, registered VH-AKH, 61 km north-west of Groote Eylandt Airport, Northern Territory, on 25 August 2026.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve examining the wreckage, interviewing witnesses and involved parties, examination of maintenance records, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
The ATSB calls for any witnesses who may have seen the accident, or any pilots operating in the area who may have heard radio calls from the accident aircraft, to make contact with us via the witness form on our website.
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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-094 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/08/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 02:20 UTC |
| Location | 61 km north-west of Groote Eylandt Airport |
| State | Northern Territory |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q1 2027 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Beech Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | 58 |
| Registration | VH-AKH |
| Serial number | TH-972 |
| Aircraft operator | Air Frontier Pty Ltd |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Part 91 General operating and flight rules |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Other general aviation flying-Ferry flights |
| Departure point | Gove Airport, Northern Territory |
| Destination | Numbulwar Airport, Northern Territory |
| Damage | Destroyed |