Then we get wonderful press releases like this as was reported in ABC online news and so accurate.
Safety regulator Air services Australia said no passengers were at risk during the landing and that the mayday call was triggered automatically because the plane's fuel gauge dropped below a certain level.
An Air services Australia spokesperson said instances like this were "not unusual".
"It doesn't mean you have no fuel left, and you have to land right away," she said.
"You still have a lot of fuel left."