Summary
On 9 July 2009, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft registered VH-TFS, was being operated on a charter passenger flight from Lizard Island, Queensland (Qld) to Cairns, Qld. The flight was being conducted under instrument flight rules. At about 1250 Eastern Standard Time, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. The pilot and two of the three passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight continued to Cairns and landed without further incident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau publication 'Staying Safe against In-flight Turbulence' (2009) provides some useful information on aircraft turbulence events. A full copy of that publication is available here.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2009-036 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/07/2009 |
| Location | 37 km S Lizard Island |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 29/06/2010 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Turbulence/windshear/microburst |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 208 |
| Registration | VH-TFS |
| Serial number | 208B1006 |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Lizard Island, Qld |
| Destination | Cairns, Qld |
| Damage | Nil |