Who can be held liable if I'm injured in an aviation accident?

Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with the airline or air carrier, the aircraft operator, a maintenance provider, a manufacturer of defective aircraft parts, or another party whose negligence contributed to the accident. For most passenger flights, the operating carrier is the primary party responsible under the applicable carriers' liability regime. Establishing who is legally responsible requires investigating how and why the accident occurred.

Do I have to prove the airline was negligent to make a claim?

For international passenger carriage governed by the Montreal Convention 1999, you generally do not need to prove airline fault for bodily injury caused by an accident on board or during embarking or disembarking, up to the first-tier threshold. Above it, the carrier can avoid liability by proving no fault by the carrier, its servants or agents, or that the damage was caused solely by a third party’s fault. Passenger contributory negligence may reduce recovery in either tier. Domestic carriage follows separate rules and limits.

Is there a time limit for making an aviation injury claim?

Yes, and it is strict. Under both the Montreal Convention (Article 35) and the Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act 1959, court proceedings must generally be commenced within two years of the date the aircraft arrived, or ought to have arrived, at its destination. Missing this deadline can permanently extinguish your right to compensation, so it is important to seek advice early.

Does the same law apply to domestic and international flights?

No. International carriage to or from Australia is governed by the Montreal Convention 1999, given effect through the Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act 1959. Domestic flights within Australia are covered by the domestic provisions of that Act and complementary state legislation. Both regimes apply strict liability and a two-year time limit, but the liability limits and some details differ.

What compensation can I recover after an aviation accident?

Compensation may include damages for your injuries, past and future medical and rehabilitation costs, loss of past and future income or earning capacity, care and assistance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Where a passenger has died, dependants may be able to claim. The carriers' liability regime sets thresholds and, for some claims, statutory limits on the amount recoverable.

What should I do after being injured in an aviation accident?

Seek medical attention promptly and keep records of your treatment and expenses. Report the incident and retain your ticket, booking details and any correspondence. Because strict two-year time limits apply and aviation claims are legally complex, obtain advice from an experienced aviation injury lawyer as soon as possible. You can call Carter Capner Law on 1300 529 529.

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Aircraft category

Light aircraft accidents

Accidents and serious incidents involving light aircraft, including private, training, charter and recreational flights.

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Latest listing 26 Sep 2026
473 in the full feed

Aircraft categories

Aircraft category

Registration unknown Light aircraft
Pulsar I

Location

Bendigo, VIC

Operator

Not stated

Occurrence

Pulsar I Nose Landing Gear Damaged During Landing (26 Sep 2026)

Listed 26 Sep 2026 Read report
REGVH-FDA Light aircraft
Beechcraft B300 King Air 360C

Location

Emerald, QLD

Operator

Royal Flying Doctor Service – RFDS

Occurrence

RFDS Beechcraft B300 King Air Near Runway Incursion (8 Sep 2026)

Listed 8 Sep 2026 Read report
REGVH-MPT Light aircraft
Beechcraft A36 Bonanza

Location

SE of Chambers Flat, Logan, QLD

Operator

Telford Aviation Pty Ltd

Occurrence

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza VH-MPT Crashes Near Chambers Flat, QLD (7 Sep 2026)

Listed 7 Sep 2026 Read report
Registration unknown Light aircraft
Jabiru J170C

Location

Jindabyne, NSW

Operator

Not stated

Occurrence

Jabiru J170C Runway Depression Impact During Taxi (29 Aug 2026)

Listed 29 Aug 2026 Read report
Registration unknown Light aircraft
Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat

Location

Redcliffe, QLD

Operator

Not stated

Occurrence

Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat Tail Damage After Possible Abnormal Landing (29 Aug 2026)

Listed 29 Aug 2026 Read report
Registration unknown Light aircraft
B&F Technik FK9

Location

Scone, NSW

Operator

Not stated

Occurrence

B&F Technik FK9 Hard Landing (27 Aug 2026)

Listed 27 Aug 2026 Read report
Registration unknown Light aircraft
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

Location

Shellharbour, NSW

Operator

Not stated

Occurrence

Pipistrel Alpha Trainer Partial Power Loss During Landing (27 Aug 2026)

Listed 27 Aug 2026 Read report
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Hurt in a light aircraft accident?

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Questions about aviation injury claims

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Pulsar I

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Aeroprakt A22LS Foxbat

B&F Technik FK9

Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

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