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 final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.
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.
Last updated:
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2025-072 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 19/11/2025 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 07:44 Australian Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | 3 km north-north-east of Townsville Airport |
| State | Queensland |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q2 2026 |
| Investigation level | Defined |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Final report: Internal review |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Avionics/flight instruments, Operational non-compliance |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Saab Aircraft Co. |
|---|---|
| Model | 340B |
| Registration | VH-ZRM |
| Serial number | 340B400 |
| Aircraft operator | Regional Express Pty Ltd |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Scheduled-Domestic |
| Departure point | Townsville Airport, Queensland |
| Destination | Hughenden Aerodrome, Queensland |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |