Summary
The ATSB is investigating a flight below minimum altitude involving a Royal Flying Doctor Service Beechcraft King Air B300C, registered VH-8FQ, near Emerald Airport, Queensland, on 23 September 2026.
During a flight from Rockhampton Airport, Queensland, it was reported that the aircraft descended below minimum altitude at night during the approach to land near Emerald Airport.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing the pilot, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A 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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-097 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/09/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 1900 Australian Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | 5.5 km east-north-east of Emerald Airport |
| State | Queensland |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q1 2027 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Flight below minimum altitude |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Textron Aviation Inc. |
|---|---|
| Model | Beechcraft B300 King Air 360C |
| Registration | VH-8FQ |
| Serial number | FM-110 |
| Aircraft operator | Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Limited |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Part 135 Air transport operations - smaller aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Non-scheduled-Medical transport |
| Departure point | Rockhampton Airport, Queensland |
| Destination | Emerald Airport, Queensland |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |