Investigation number
199300474
Occurrence date
State
Northern Territory
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Forced/precautionary landing
Occurrence class
Accident

The pilot gave a 'mayday' call advising that the aircraft had suffered an engine failure, and that he would be carrying out a forced landing. The aircraft was landed in a swampy area between trees which damaged both wings during the landing roll. The pilot stated that he had not visually checked the fuel contents or the security of the caps and access covers before departing Darwin as he had filled the right tank before the previous flight. The fuel gauges did not indicate the expected amount of fuel even after the aircraft was established in cruise but the pilot elected to continue to his destination. About 6 km from the destination, with the left hand tank selected, the engine stopped. The pilot switched to the right tank but the engine did not restart. It is possible that the right tank was losing fuel from a faulty venting system on the flight into Darwin.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
182A
Registration
VH-KLJ
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Darwin NT
Destination
Pickertaramoor NT
Damage
Substantial