Summary
On 22 June 2010, a Saab 340B aircraft, registered VH-KDQ, was conducting a passenger charter flight from Adelaide to Ceduna, South Australia (SA). After departure, the copilot notified the pilot in command (PIC) that he was feeling unwell. The copilot's condition deteriorated to the point where he was unable to continue the flight to Ceduna. Shortly after reaching the top of climb, the pilot in command (PIC) decided to return the aircraft to Adelaide due to the copilot's deteriorating condition.
During the event, air traffic control (ATC) was not made aware of the reasons for the aircraft returning to Adelaide. Had the wellbeing of the copilot deteriorated further during the return to Adelaide, there may have been unnecessary delays in medical help being available.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2010-046 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 22/06/2010 |
| Location | Cowell Aerodrome, 200° M 41 km |
| State | South Australia |
| Report release date | 14/10/2010 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Flight crew incapacitation |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Saab Aircraft Co. |
|---|---|
| Model | 340 |
| Registration | VH-KDQ |
| Serial number | 340B-325 |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Adelaide, SA |
| Destination | Ceduna, SA |
| Damage | Nil |