Investigation number
AO-2011-104
Occurrence date
Location
Near William Creek ALA, Lake Eyre
State
South Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Engine failure or malfunction
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

On 23 August 2011, at about 1145 CST, a Cessna Aircraft Company model U206G aircraft, registered VH-LAN, was conducting a charter flight from Olympic Dam to William Creek Aircraft Landing Area (ALA) near Lake Eyre, South Australia, with the pilot and five passengers aboard, incurred an engine power loss. As a result, the pilot conducted a forced landing onto a dry lakebed. During the landing, the aircraft nose wheel sunk into the soft ground and the aircraft nosed over with the propeller blades and left-wing tip contacting the ground, then settled onto the landing gear. There were no injuries to the occupants who exited the aircraft without incident. Subsequent examination revealed that one engine cylinder had failed.

As a result of this accident, the operator chose to remove from service all engine cylinders provided by the specific manufacturer.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
206
Registration
VH-LAN
Serial number
U20606574
Operation type
Charter
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Birdsville, Qld
Destination
William Creek, SA
Damage
Minor