Collision with terrain - Cessna U206F, VH-EUW, near Tooradin, Victoria, on 8 October 2011

On 8 October 2011, a Cessna Aircraft Company U206F, registered VH-EUW (EUW), was conducting parachute operations at Tooradin aeroplane landing area (ALA), Victoria. At about 1415 Eastern Daylight-saving Time EUW was returning to Tooradin after a parachute flight that was rejected due extensive cloud cover.

When on final for runway 22 at Tooradin the aircraft lost power and collided with terrain approximately 0.75 nm northeast of the threshold in a tidal waterway. All 6 occupants were injured in the accident, the pilot and one skydiver seriously. The aircraft sustained serious damage.

As a result of the accident, the Australian Parachute Federation provided one mandated and a number of recommended safety actions to the aircraft operator which included: mandatory use of restraints below 1,000 ft above ground level; changes to the operator's flying operations manual to include roles and responsibilities of key personnel; increased training requirements and an expanded emergency procedures section.

This accident highlights the risks associated with engine failures at low altitudes.