The forced landing of an Aeroprakt two-seat light aircraft just short of the runway at Tumut after an engine failure highlights to pilots the importance of conducting a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable location following abnormal indications.
On 10 April 2024, a solo pilot was conducting a private flight in their Aeroprakt‑32 from Moruya to Griffith, NSW, an ATSB investigation report details.
After passing Canberra the pilot observed a lower-than-normal oil pressure, but after considering various options, including that the indication may have been due to the increased engine RPM required to climb from 4,000 to 6,500 ft, continued their planned track.
Around 14 minutes later, passing over mountainous terrain, the pilot contacted air traffic control to advise they were diverting to Tumut due to the low engine oil pressure indication.
During the descent, the engine failed.
The pilot was unable to reach the runway at Tumut, conducting a forced landing in a paddock just north of the runway. The aircraft was damaged, and the pilot sustained minor injuries.
ATSB Director Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said the time taken by the pilot to make the decision to divert after the low oil pressure indication was first observed resulted in the aircraft flying further away from a safe landing place at Canberra as the situation continued to deteriorate.
In addition, after diverting, but before the engine failed, the pilot conducted a powered descent towards Tumut.
"This meant that, when the engine failed, there was insufficient altitude remaining to glide to the runway," Ms Hughes said.
Ms Hughes said the accident highlights the importance of pilots considering the potential future implications of any abnormal events during flight.
"For any issue that could lead to a loss of engine power, pilots should consider a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable location," she said.
"Flight over inhospitable terrain should be avoided, and pilots should maintain altitude whenever practical to improve their chances of finding a suitable landing place should their engine fail."
You can find here the final report: Engine failure and forced landing involving Aeroprakt-32, VH-VIK, 0.1 km north of Tumut Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 10 April 2024
