What happened
On 28 January 2016, a Cessna Aircraft Company Caravan 208 amphibian, registered VH-WTY, was performing a scenic charter service in the Whitsunday region of Queensland. The flight departed Hamilton Island Airport at approximately 14:15 EST carrying 10 passengers. Due to prevailing wind conditions, the intended landing at Whitehaven Beach was diverted to Chance Bay.
While approaching the landing site, the pilot performed a visual inspection of the bay to assess the sea state and identify moored vessels. During the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced multiple bounces on the water's surface. Following the second bounce, the pilot applied increased engine power to initiate a go-around. During this maneuver, the pilot noted that the engine torque indicators were in the red zone, suggesting an over-torque condition for the propeller configuration. Additionally, the pilot observed that the aircraft's climb performance was insufficient while the flaps were set at 30 degrees, leading to a reduction in flap setting to 20 degrees.
As the aircraft climbed toward a nearby saddle, the pilot determined that the inadequate climb performance would prevent the aircraft from clearing the rising terrain. In an attempt to avoid the obstacles, the pilot executed a right turn, during which the aircraft struck trees and subsequently collided with the terrain. The aircraft came to a stop in dense scrub roughly 150 meters from the eastern end of the main beach.
Findings
Following the impact, the pilot instructed all occupants to evacuate the wreckage. There were no fatalities, though some of the 11 people on board sustained minor injuries, including one passenger who required helicopter transport to Mackay. The aircraft's emergency beacon activated automatically upon impact, triggering a rescue response from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. No fire occurred following the collision.