No fatalities

Aircraft crash near Broome Airport (VH-LBZ)

Broome, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On March 19, 2026, a Cessna 441 Conquest (registration VH-LBZ) operated by Skippers Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Broome, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into mangroves shortly after takeoff from Broome Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)Updated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered VH-LBZ
Aircraft registered VH-LBZ. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mangrove area shortly after departing Broome Airport, resulting in injuries to all seven people on board.

What happened

During a flight departing from runway 10 at Broome Airport, a twin engine airplane experienced a loss of altitude following its departure. The aircraft was traveling toward the Mungalalu-Truscott AFB, situated on the Anjo Peninsula, when the descent occurred. The plane ultimately impacted a mangrove forest.

All seven individuals on board sustained injuries during the impact. Emergency responders were able to reach the site and perform rescues of the occupants shortly after the crash occurred.

Findings

  • The aircraft lost altitude during the initial climb phase of the flight.
  • The crash site was located within a mangrove environment near the departure path.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into mangroves shortly after takeoff from Broome Airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 2026 Cessna 441 Conquest accident near Broome, Australia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mangrove area shortly after departing Broome Airport, resulting in injuries to all seven people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Mar 2026 Cessna 441 Conquest accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 2026 involved a Cessna 441 Conquest, registration VH-LBZ, operated by Skippers Aviation, at Broome, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into mangroves shortly after takeoff from Broome Airport.