Description

On 2 March 2018, a single-pilot Cessna 441 (VH-LBY) being operated by Skippers Aviation on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Fitzroy Crossing to Broome in day VMC successively lost power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion. A MAYDAY was declared and since it was impossible to reach the destination or any other aerodrome, a forced landing was completed on the main highway in the area with no damage to the aircraft or injury to the 10 occupants. 

The aircraft secured in its final stopping position. [Reproduced from the Official Report]

Investigation

An Investigation into the accident was carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). 

It was noted that the pilot was one of four employed by Skippers Aviation and based at Broome to operate the C441 aircraft there. After being employed by the operator, he had qualified on type 9 months prior to the investigated event and had a total of 2,403 hours flight time, of which 402 hours were on type. His training records for conversion to the C441, line check and most recent instrument proficiency were found “not to contain any major issues or concerns regarding his performance or capability”.