Weight and balance system
Date issue released
Issue number
Issue Status
Open – Safety action pending
Transport Function
Aviation: Air transport
Issue Owner
Marthakal Yolngu Airline
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Safety Issue Description

Marthakal Yolngu Airline’s electronic weight and balance system used incorrect maximum weights for the aircraft, which increased the risk of flight crew operating the aircraft above the certified weight limitations. 

Issue Status Justification

To be advised

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2025-024-PSA-02
Organisation
Marthakal Yolngu Airline
Action Status
Monitor
Action description

Marthakal Yolngu Airline advised that the electronic weight and balance system will be amended to reflect the correct maximum weights for VH-NXA prior to its return to service. Additionally, Marthakal Yolngu Airline provided the ATSB with a copy of meeting minutes that documented a briefing from the safety manager to all company personnel conducted on 9 February 2026. During the briefing, the safety manager addressed the discrepancies in the electronic weight and balance system and recorded an audit of the system as a follow-up action item.

ATSB Response

The ATSB welcomes Marthakal Yolngu Airline’s proposal to correct the maximum weights for VH-NXA contained in the weight and balance system prior to its return to service and will continue to monitor the safety issue until documented evidence of the implementation of the proposed safety action has been provided.