At 8:35pm on Friday the 13^th of July 2012, the pilot of a twin engine Piper Chieftain aircraft  notified authorities he was experiencing mechanical problems with the trim control of the aircraft.  At the time of the call the aircraft was approximately 60 miles to the north and on approach to Wynyard Airport.

The pilot of the aircraft informed Air Traffic Control in Melbourne of the problems, and his intention to conduct an emergency landing at the Wynyard Airport.

Police from the Northwest Coast together with Tasmania Fire Service units and paramedics from the Tasmanian Ambulance Service attended the Wynyard Airport. 

Once all emergency staff were in position, and radio communication established with the pilot, the aircraft was landed without incident.

Police have praised the efforts and professionalism of the 22 year old pilot, who remained calm throughout the entire incident and managed to maintain control of the aircraft.

Sergeant Mark Forteath who was in radio contact with the pilot said: “The pilot was calm throughout the incident and did an excellent job controlling the troubled aircraft.”

The pilot was the only person onboard the aircraft at the time of the incident.

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