Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.
Date:
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Time:
circa 16:17 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Cessna 210 Centurion
Owner/Operator:
Private
Registration:
VH-MPE
MSN:
57549
Year of Manufacture:
1960
Engine Model:
Teledyne-Continental IO-470-E
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Substantial
Category:
Accident
Location:
West Sale Airport (SXE/YWSL), Sale, VIC – Australia
Phase:
Landing
Nature:
Private
Departure Airport:
East Sale AB, VIC (YMES)
Destination Airport:
Sale Airport, VIC (SXE/YWSL)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB (not investigating)
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On July 20, 2025, a privately operated Cessna 210 Centurion registered VH-MPE was involved in an emergency landing at West Sale Airport in Victoria. The incident occurred at approximately 16:17 local time following a reported nose gear malfunction.
The aircraft had departed East Sale Air Base for a short local flight. Upon returning, the pilot received an “unsafe” gear indication and was unable to confirm nose gear lock. After circling the airport to troubleshoot and burn fuel, the pilot attempted a landing on runway 09.
The nose landing gear collapsed on touchdown, and the aircraft skidded along the runway on its nose. Despite the gear failure, the pilot—who was the sole occupant—was unharmed.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and paramedics, responded swiftly to the scene. The Air Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reviewed the incident and advised it would not formally investigate.
Eyewitness accounts from a nearby pilot and airport personnel described the landing as controlled and well-managed given the circumstances. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its nose section and propeller.
Sources:
ABC Gippsland, Victoria Police, ATSB
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.