Incident Overview
On an ambulance flight from Tablelands to Derby, a Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft encountered worsening weather conditions en route. The pilot experienced thunderstorm activity and turbulence, during which control was lost. The aircraft crashed on Hawkstone Peak in the King Leopold Ranges.
Search and Recovery
When the aircraft failed to arrive in Derby, search and rescue operations were initiated. The wreckage was located three weeks later.
Occupants
The flight carried five occupants: Captain Pieter van Emmerick (pilot); passengers Sister Frances Day and Sister Helen Newman (nurses); a young ill child; and the child's father. All five were killed.
Operator
The flight was conducted on behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.