Avionics/flight instrumentation issue involving Saab 340B, VH-ZRM, 3 km north-north-east of Townsville Airport, Queensland, on 19 November 2025

Summary

The ATSB is investigating an avionics/flight instrumentation issue involving a Rex Airlines Saab 340B, VH-ZRM, 3 km north-north-east of Townsville Airport, Queensland, on 19 November 2025.

During initial climb, the crew detected a fault with the flight management system (FMS), and the aircraft subsequently did not adhere to the tracking requirements of the standard instrument departure (SID).

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.