An ATSB preliminary report outlines the sequence of events of an accident involving a King Air twin turboprop soon after take-off from Normanton Airport, in Far North Queensland, on 6 February.
The report, which details evidence gathered in the early phases of the ATSB’s ongoing investigation, notes the pilot had ferried the Machjet International-operated King Air to Normanton from Cairns earlier on the day of the accident.
After boarding four passengers, the pilot then flew them to Doomadgee, about 240 km to the west, before returning them to Normanton about four hours later.
With the passengers disembarked, the pilot then prepared to return the aircraft back to Cairns, radioing just after 7:45 pm local time that they were taxiing for departure. The flight was being conducted under the instrument flight rules.
After taking off from runway 32, the aircraft climbed to a maximum of about 150 ft above ground level, before descending and then colliding with terrain. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was fatally injured.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said to date investigators had examined the accident site and wreckage, conducted interviews, and gathered available flight data (including ADS-B), pilot and aircraft records, and weather information.
“Examination of the accident site indicated the aircraft hit a tree about 360 m from the end of the runway, which was about 10 m before it broadcast its last ADS-B position,” Mr Mitchell said.
The aircraft’s final ADS-B datapoint reported a groundspeed of 162 kt, and that it had descended at about 1,100 feet per minute since its last datapoint.
“Evidence indicates the aircraft then impacted the ground in a wings-level attitude and slid beneath powerlines, then commenced a gradual yaw to the right, impacting trees, and breaking up in the process, before coming to rest in floodwaters about 580 m beyond the runway’s end.”
Mr Mitchell noted the preliminary report includes a summary of the available forecast and observed meteorological conditions at the aerodrome, and in the surrounding area, at the time of the accident.
“As the investigation progresses it will include an assessment of data from air traffic control, the Bureau of Meteorology, and equipment recovered from the aircraft,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Investigators will also conduct further interviews, and analyse witness videos, photographs and airport data, along with all relevant operational information.”
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
“This preliminary report does not contain analysis or findings, which will be developed for inclusion in the investigation’s final report,” Mr Mitchell said.
“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will notify relevant parties immediately, so timely safety action can be taken.”
Read the preliminary report: Collision with terrain involving Beechcraft B200C, VH-PUY, near Normanton Airport, Queensland, on 6 February 2026