Cessna 210 G, VH-DPZ, Wilsons Promontory VIC, 11 April 1986

Approaching the coastline of Wilsons Promontory, the pilot heard a loud bang from the engine compartment, which was followed by oil escaping onto the windscreen. About 40 seconds later the engine failed completely and the pilot carried out a successful ditching in about 1.2 metres of water, some 10 metres from the shoreline. The pilot and passengers waded to land and were subsequently rescued by a helicopter. The pilot had chosen to land in the water rather than attempt a landing on the beach, which appeared to be soft and was obstructed by a rocky outcrop. Examination of the engine revealed that the number 5 cylinder connecting rod had failed from fatigue. This in turn led to the overload failure of the big-end bolts.