On 16 October 2008, at about 0615 Eastern Standard Time, the pilot of a Fairchild Industries SA227, registered VH-UZA, took off from runway 32 at Mackay Airport, Qld. At the same time, the flight crew of another Fairchild Industries SA227, registered VH-EEO, was conducting a backtrack on the active runway 32.
The crews of both aircraft took avoiding action.
There were a number of opportunities for the departing pilot to have confirmed that his aircraft radio was operating correctly, and to have verified the actual position of the backtracking aircraft. Had the departing pilot availed himself of those opportunities, he would have been afforded an increased level of assurance that the runway was clear.
Confirmation that runway 32 was clear prior to commencing the departure was attempted, but not obtained, by the departing pilot.