Overview

• The Piper Cherokee reported engine power loss over Sydney’s Northern Beaches and made a forced landing on the 15th fairway at Mona Vale Golf Club.
• Flight instructor Ross Curcuran and trainee Brian Welch self-extricated, received on-site treatment for minor injuries and were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in stable condition.
• Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators are collecting ADS-B flight-tracking logs, witness videos, pilot statements and maintenance records as part of their review.
• No decision has yet been made on whether the available evidence warrants opening a formal ATSB investigation into the August 17 incident.
• The damaged aircraft was removed and the golf course reopened after safety checks, underscoring the hazards of light-aircraft emergency landings in recreational areas.