Aviation safety investigations & reports
Loss of control involving Pilatus PC-12/47E, VH-OWJ, near Merredin, Western Australia, on 14 April 2019
AO-2019-019
Summary
The ATSB is investigating a loss of control incident involving a Pilatus PC-12 (registration VH-OWJ), near Merredin, Western Australia.
The aircraft had departed Merredin at about 0020 (WST) for a medical transport flight to Jandakot. It was reported that, while climbing through 2,600 ft, the aircraft sustained an uncommanded pitch down and descent with a TERRAIN TERRAIN alert. After regaining control the pilot returned the aircraft to Merredin.
The ATSB will liaise with the aircraft operator to obtain relevant evidence, inspect the aircraft and interview the crew.
A final report will be released at the end of the investigation.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.
General details
| Date: | 14 April 2019 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
| Time: | 0:20 WST | Investigation level: | Defined - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
| Location (show map): | Merredin | Investigation phase: | Examination and analysis | ||
| State: | Western Australia | Occurrence type: | Loss of control | ||
| Occurrence category: | Serious Incident | ||||
| Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | None | ||
| Anticipated completion: | 2nd Quarter 2020 |
Aircraft details
| Aircraft manufacturer | Pilatus Aircraft Ltd | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft model | PC-12/47E | |
| Aircraft registration | VH-OWJ | |
| Serial number | 1411 | |
| Operator | Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Western Operations) | |
| Type of operation | Medical Transport | |
| Sector | Turboprop | |
| Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
| Departure point | Merredin, WA | |
| Destination | Jandakot, WA |