On February 6, 2026, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (registration VH-PUY) operated by Machjet International was involved in an aviation accident near Normanton, Australia during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Normanton Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A solo pilot was killed when their aircraft struck terrain shortly after departing Normanton Airport in Queensland.
What happened
Following the arrival of a flight from Doomadgee and the disembarkation of four passengers, the pilot prepared for a subsequent leg of the journey from Normanton to Cairns, Queensland. During the departure from Runway 32 at Normanton Airport, the twin engine airplane struck the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that led to the total destruction of the airframe.
Findings
The aircraft was operated by a single occupant.
The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the accident.
The collision with terrain occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Normanton Airport.
