diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
index 3436c4ec8a..49892d81c9 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Aircraft.cpp
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 #include <mmsystem.h>
 #endif
 
+#include <GCS_MAVLink/GCS.h>
 #include <AP_Logger/AP_Logger.h>
 #include <AP_Param/AP_Param.h>
 #include <AP_Declination/AP_Declination.h>
@@ -501,7 +502,7 @@ void Aircraft::update_dynamics(const Vector3f &rot_accel)
     // constrain height to the ground
     if (on_ground()) {
         if (!was_on_ground && AP_HAL::millis() - last_ground_contact_ms > 1000) {
-            printf("Hit ground at %f m/s\n", velocity_ef.z);
+            gcs().send_text(MAV_SEVERITY_INFO, "Hit ground at %f m/s", velocity_ef.z);
             last_ground_contact_ms = AP_HAL::millis();
         }
         position.z = -(ground_level + frame_height - home.alt * 0.01f + ground_height_difference());