What happened
On 25 August 2025, a Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 with registration VH-LHC was on approach to Djarindjin/Lombadina airport in Western Australia. During the landing phase, the pilot encountered a lack of response from normal throttle inputs. This anomaly caused the airspeed to increase, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around. As the aircraft climbed out, the engine failed to produce full power. The pilot subsequently executed a partial power turnback and landed safely.
The investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) led the primary investigation into this incident. New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) opened its own inquiry strictly for administrative purposes to assist ATSB. Acting as an Accredited Representative under ICAO Annex 13 provisions, TAIC coordinated with the overseas counterpart to facilitate evidence gathering and cooperation.
Findings
The core operational issue identified was the throttle unresponsiveness during approach, which directly led to the unplanned go-around. The subsequent failure of the engine to generate full power during the climb necessitated a partial power turnback. TAIC’s role was limited to supporting ATSB’s fact-finding process rather than conducting an independent causal analysis.
Safety action
No specific safety recommendations or actions are recorded in this administrative summary, as the substantive inquiry and any resulting safety measures fall under the jurisdiction of the ATSB.