What happened
On 21 February 2025 at approximately 1500 Central Standard Time, the pilot of a Pilatus PC-12/47E was operating a medical transport flight from Bordertown to Adelaide, South Australia, with a patient and medical crew member on board. As the aircraft approached Adelaide Airport from the east and was cleared by ATC for a close-base left turn, the pilot observed the aircraft to be high and fast on the approach, outside of the operator’s published stable approach criteria by 30 kt. During the turn onto final approach, the pilot received enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) ‘sink rate’ and ‘pull up’ alerts, however the approach was continued.
The pilot reported considering a go-around but decided to continue with the approach to maintain their position in the arrival sequence. They reported the landing was fast, at 120 kt, outside of the manufacturer’s approach speed guidance by 20 kt.
After the occurrence, the pilot noted the operational pressure associated with having a patient on board, as well as being late into their shift and the general desire to get home.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of managing operational and perceived time pressures which can lead to human error.
Effective ways to manage external pressures and distractions is discussed in the ATSB report Dangerous distraction: An examination of accidents and incidents involving pilot distraction in Australia between 1997 and 2004 (B2004/0324).
This incident also serves as a reminder for pilots to be prepared to conduct a go-around to avoid an undesirable aircraft state.
About this report
Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.