What happened
On 1 September 2024, a Cessna U206F, registered VH-TDQ, departed a private landing area southeast of Moora, Western Australia, carrying five passengers. During the return to the landing area, the pilot attempted a short-field landing on the easterly runway using full flaps. The approach was characterized by excessive speed and a tailwind, causing the aircraft to land long and bounce twice.
In response to the bounces, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the transition to the climb, the pilot intended to retract the flaps to 20° but instead inadvertently reduced them to 10°. This improper configuration resulted in insufficient lift and a loss of climb performance. The aircraft lost altitude, causing the right wingtip to strike the terrain, which damaged the aileron and the wingtip. The aircraft subsequently lost speed and came to rest upright in a field.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's approach and the aircraft's configuration during the emergency. It was determined that the pilot utilized a non-standard base leg join, which limited the time available to manage the descent profile, airspeed, and aircraft configuration.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the evacuation process. Because the flaps remained at 10°, the forward section of the right-side cargo door could not be fully opened. This obstruction, combined with the difficulty of locating the rear door handle from the passenger seats, hindered the evacuation of the two rear passengers. While the passengers eventually exited through the pilot's side door, the process was delayed.
Findings
- The pilot's use of a non-standard approach pattern reduced the time necessary to prepare for a short-field landing.
- The aircraft's landing was destabilized by excessive approach speed and a tailwind component.
- The pilot mis-selected the flap setting during the go-around, leading to inadequate climb performance.
- The aircraft lacked recommended CASA modifications for the emergency exit system.
- The pre-flight briefing did not include a demonstration of how to operate the cargo door when flaps are extended.
- The pilot was unaware that the rear cargo door could be operated from the exterior of the aircraft.