ATSB probes rapid altitude loss of Beechcraft King Air near Normanton, QLD.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a major investigation.

This probe concerns an accident involving a Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft. The incident occurred near Normanton, Queensland, on Friday evening, February 6. The aircraft was operated by Machjet International. It crashed shortly after departing Normanton Airport (NTN). The flight was an empty positioning leg. Its purpose was to collect fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) mine workers. The aircraft was crewed solely by the pilot. The pilot remains unaccounted for following the crash.

Accident Details and Initial Findings

The accident happened around 8 p.m. local time. Early ADS-B data offers initial insight into the event. This data suggests a rapid loss of altitude. The loss of altitude occurred approximately two minutes after the aircraft took off. Emergency services reached the remote site quickly. However, heavy rainfall significantly hindered access. This weather also delayed the deployment of ATSB investigators. The accident site is located about 800 meters west of Normanton Airport.

ATSB Investigation Scope

ATSB transport safety investigators are now on site. They will conduct a thorough range of evidence-gathering activities. These activities include a detailed site survey. Investigators will also perform a wreckage examination. They plan to interview any witnesses to the event. A critical task is the retrieval of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). Other relevant components will also be retrieved. These items will be sent to the ATSB’s Canberra facilities for analysis. Investigators will also collect key documents. These include pilot and aircraft maintenance records. Weather information and recorded flight tracking data are also being sought. The ATSB has asked the public for any video footage or witness accounts.

Industry and Safety Implications

This Normanton aircraft accident has prompted a wider aviation-safety review. The review focuses on remote FIFO operations safety. Machjet International operates a fleet of 13 aircraft. Many of these aircraft are used for resources-sector contracts. The incident highlights the fragility of remote area mobility chains. Several mining clients have already activated contingency plans. These plans include chartering alternative operators.

A local Member of Parliament called for action. He requested an industry-wide safety audit. The audit would focus on night operations from unpaved runways. Regional carriers often face harsher weather and limited navigation aids. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced its involvement. CASA will review Machjet's fatigue-risk and maintenance programs. This review will commence after the ATSB releases its preliminary findings. The investigation's final report will be crucial. It will inform potential safety recommendations for the regional charter sector.

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