Forced Landing – The Airplane Factory Sling 2 near Woongoolba, Queensland, Australia – June 6, 2025

Date:
Friday, June 6, 2025

Time:
c. 09:05 Local Time

Type of Aircraft:
The Airplane Factory Sling 2

Owner/Operator:
Gold Coast Flight Sports Flying

Registration:
24-8340

MSN:
126

Year of Manufacture:
Not specified

Engine Model:
Not specified

Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1

Other Fatalities:
0

Aircraft Damage:
Substantial

Location:
Near Woongoolba, Gold Coast, QLD – Australia

Phase:
Initial Climb

Nature:
Private

Departure Airport:
Heck Field Airport (YHEC)

Destination Airport:
Not specified

Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media, or unofficial sources

Circumstances:

On June 6, 2025, a The Airplane Factory Sling 2 light aircraft (registration 24-8340) conducted a forced landing in a field near Woongoolba on the Gold Coast, Queensland, after experiencing difficulties during the initial climb phase following departure from Heck Field Airport (YHEC).

According to reports, the pilot, a 39-year-old woman and sole occupant, was not injured during the incident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, particularly to the left wing, after landing in a field off Finglas Road around 09:05 local time.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and paramedics assessed the pilot, who declined hospital transport due to the absence of injuries. Police confirmed that the aircraft completed a controlled landing into farmland north of the airfield after failing to maintain flight.

An official investigation has been launched by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to determine the cause of the in-flight difficulties that led to the emergency landing. Factors such as mechanical failure, weather conditions, and pilot experience are expected to be reviewed.

This incident highlights the importance of pre-flight checks and contingency planning for small aircraft operations, especially during critical phases like takeoff and initial climb.