What happened
On Tuesday, 8 January 2024, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan registered VH-NWJ and operated by Townsville Airlines Pty Ltd experienced an engine power loss during takeoff from Lizard Island Airport in Queensland. The aircraft, which was en route to Cairns Airport with ten occupants on board, was unable to maintain altitude and the pilot initiated an emergency return to Lizard Island.
At approximately 07:00 local time, the aircraft overshot the runway during the emergency landing attempt. The Grand Caravan subsequently overturned on the airfield, sustaining substantial damage to its airframe and structure. Two of the ten occupants sustained injuries as a result of the accident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified of the occurrence and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the engine power loss and the emergency landing.