Hard landing involving Cessna 206G Horn Island Airport, Queensland, on 8 October 2026

What happened

On 8 October 2016 at approximately 0815 local time, a pilot and 2 passengers in a Cessna 206G were on approach to Horn Island Airport from Warraber Island aircraft landing area, Queensland. 

The pilot observed the windsock indicating a mild crosswind from the left, and experienced normal mechanical turbulence for this approach. The aircraft was configured and stable as it approached runway 14 (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Horn Island aerodrome

During the landing the pilot carried out a normal flare, touching down smoothly on the main wheels. However, the aircraft suddenly became airborne again, before bouncing twice. The first bounce was reported as typical, however the second contact was a hard, nose down motion by the aircraft. 

The pilot then executed a go-around. 

Once airborne the pilot did not recall any unusual aircraft vibrations or noises however they did recall that they had difficulty maintaining altitude at normal power settings and aircraft attitudes. 

The pilot conducted a second approach to land on runway 14, with the aircraft again achieving a stable configuration prior to landing. 

During the second landing, the aircraft initially touched down smoothly on the main wheels, before the aircraft again became re-airborne, before landing hard. 

After this hard landing, the pilot added power and achieved a stabilised flight path just above the runway before carrying out another landing attempt. On this attempt the pilot opted to maintain a small amount of power during the touchdown to provide greater control of the aircraft’s energy. A successful landing was then achieved.

After landing an inspection of the aircraft identified damage to the propeller and fuselage (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Damage to aircraft

Pilot comments

The pilot indicated that they had recently transitioned from a significantly larger aircraft with very different handling characteristics (during landing) to the Cessna 206. The pilot reflected that their lack of familiarity and low time in the Cessna 206 may have influenced the occurrence.  

Safety message

At any time during the approach or landing that it becomes apparent that successful landing may be in doubt, the pilot should consider immediately initiating a go-around that will allow time to reconfigure the aircraft and conduct a safe landing.  

About this report

Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.