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Photo from 9News Queensland reporter Anna Rawlings X (formerly Twitter)With luck on their side and a skillful pilot, 10 people walked away with minor injuries after a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan overturned during an emergency landing at the Lizard Island Airport in Australia. The plane reportedly suffered a mechanical malfunction after takeoff, forcing its return to the island, where it struck trees and overturned on Sunday.
A group of nine tourists visiting Australia were on board Cessna 208B when it took off from an island resort north of the Great Barrier Reef and experienced a mechanical malfunction. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the aircraft experienced engine issues and attempted to return to the island. 9News said the group was lucky to be alive after the crash. Royal Flying Doctor Service nurse Stephanie Beatty told the station it was remarkable they all made it out of the crash relatively unharmed. Out of the group, there was a minor head injury and a fractured arm. Most of the group was able to walk off of the scene before being transported to the nearby Cairns hospital.
According to Flight Aware, the plane was headed to the Cairns before diverting back to Lizard Island. Photos show the Grand Caravan upside down with extensive damage to the fuselage and scattered debris. According to Brisbane Times, a call came in for a small aircraft that had flipped over on landing. The belief is that the plane clipped trees while attempting to land before coming to rest upside down. The passengers were all able to exit the plane before emergency services arrived. The pilot earned praise for his skill, allowing all nine passengers to walk away with little harm to no harm. The passengers, aged 14 to 60, are in stable condition after the incident.
According to Thoroughbred Daily News, Bloodstock advisor John Moynihan was one of the 10 on board. A bloodstock advisor is a professional in the thoroughbred industry who buys and sells horses on behalf of their clients. Moynihan indicated to TDN that trainer Phil Bauer and his wife were among the other tourists from Kentucky on board.
"We all made it and are safe," Moynihan told TDN.
The ATSB is investigating the crash and reported that it is now in the evidence collection phase, which involves interviews with the pilot, witnesses and first responders; reviewing recorded data; maintenance records and the collection of any other relevant evidence. A final report will be issued when the investigation is concluded and if a critical safety issue is found, the ATSB will take appropriate action.