What happened
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, a Gippsland GA-8 Airvan registered VH-WSU and operated by Wave Air was involved in a landing accident at Lindeman Island Airport, Queensland. At approximately 14:35 local time, the aircraft was conducting a passenger charter flight from Shute Harbour Airport when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase on soft and wet ground.
During the landing approach, the aircraft's wheels slid on the runway surface. The pilot applied full power to conduct a go-around and attempt a second landing. However, the aircraft became airborne after the end of the runway, and the landing gear contacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the accident under investigation number AO-2026-065.