ATSB Finds Instructor Caused Fatal Cessna Plane Crash
A February 2026 crash in Long Bay killed an instructor and two students during an unauthorised spin training manoeuvre.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Accidents
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report concludes that instructor Leo Howard caused a fatal Cessna 210N crash on 6 February 2026 by performing unauthorised mid-air spins. The incident, which killed Howard and two student pilots, occurred during a training flight near Long Bay.
Why it matters
The investigation reveals a pattern of overconfidence and previously unreported safety violations by the instructor, highlighting critical lapses in oversight. These findings underscore the life-threatening risks posed by performing prohibited manoeuvres during student training.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau identified at least six previous mid-air spin violations occurring between 2023 and 2025. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was not certified for intentional spins at the time of the crash.
The players
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
The national authority responsible for investigating transport-related accidents and safety occurrences in Australia.
Leo Howard
The 53-year-old flight instructor who was in control of the aircraft during the fatal accident.
Tristan Scheffers
An 18-year-old student pilot who was one of the three individuals killed in the crash.
The details
The crash occurred 12 minutes into the flight after the instructor attempted a spin to demonstrate recovery techniques to the students. When the student in the left seat struggled to regain control, the instructor failed to intervene in time to prevent the rapid descent into the water.
Timeline
The instructor was approved for spin and aerobatics training starting in 2009.
The instructor was involved in a near collision incident during 2022.
The instructor performed at least six unauthorised mid-air spin violations between 2023 and 2025.
The Cessna crash resulted in three deaths on 6 February 2026.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the standard rigour established by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's safety investigation protocols to identify systemic training failures. It reflects broader legal efforts to scrutinise pilot safety records and ensure strict adherence to certified flight programmes.
The findings highlight the importance of student pilots verifying the certification status of their aircraft and the flight instructor's adherence to safety protocols. Residents near Goolwa may take note of the increased oversight in local aviation training operations following this report.
The takeaway
This tragedy illustrates that overconfidence in highly experienced instructors can lead to a dangerous disregard for mandated safety limitations. Student pilots should remain vigilant and feel empowered to question any manoeuvres that fall outside the approved flight programme.
Further reading
For more information on aviation safety, visit the Australia Accidents section.
