Introduction
On 24 December 2022, a Cessna 210N aircraft, registered VH-TFT and operated by Katherine Aviation, departed Gove, Northern Territory, at 0814 local time on a visual flight rules charter flight to Katherine, carrying one passenger. The aircraft did not arrive at its estimated time of 1024, and contact with the pilot was lost. Search and rescue activities were initiated, and at 1204 the following day, a wreckage field was located near the intended flight track in a remote area of East Arnhem, approximately 237 km east-north-east of Katherine. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries.
What the ATSB Found
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) determined that upon reaching the Bulman region, the aircraft likely entered an area of strong convective activity from a rapidly developing thunderstorm. This exposure probably resulted in severe turbulence and reduced visibility for the pilot. The ATSB concluded that it is probable a combination of turbulence, airspeed, and control inputs led to excessive structural loading and the in-flight separation of the right wing from the fuselage before the aircraft collided with terrain. The reason the pilot flew in close proximity to the storm could not be determined with certainty, but possibilities include an ongoing diversion or turn-back, or that the storm's severity was not apparent.
Actions Taken
Following the accident, Katherine Aviation implemented several safety measures: they provided tracking and communication devices enabling real-time satellite-based tracking and messaging in areas without mobile signal; delivered the theoretical component of wet season training to company pilots and updated their exposition to require annual completion of the briefing program; and developed flight assessment tools to improve pilot decision-making during marginal weather operations.
Safety Message
The ATSB noted that during the Northern Territory wet season, rapidly developing thunderstorms with severe turbulence create a challenging environment. The United States Federal Aviation Administration recommends maintaining at least 20 NM clearance from thunderstorms. Weather radar and satellite imagery can aid planning and in-flight avoidance if their limitations are understood. Pilots are encouraged to study Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, including graphical area forecasts (GAFs), and contact duty forecasters for marginal conditions. Educational resources from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority also address wet season weather challenges.