Perth to Port Hedland Flight 1750 Crash (VH-RMQ)

Flight Details and Departure Flight 1750 was a scheduled domestic service operating from Perth to Port Hedland in Western Australia. While taxiing on runway 02 at Perth Airport, the crew received and acknowledged an air traffic clearance from Perth Tower. The pilot-in-command selected a departure via the 030° radial of the Perth VOR toward Ballidu, with a climb to flight level 170. Takeoff was normal, and the crew reported a departure time of 0836 Western Standard Time. At 0839, the pilot noted an indicated airspeed of 155 knots instead of the planned 175 knots due to turbulence first encountered at 1,500 feet. The co-pilot also informed Perth that the aircraft would climb beyond the planned flight level 170 to cruise at flight level 190. The flight then continued normally along the intended route, transmitting position reports to Perth Flight Service Centre, Meekatharra Flight Service Unit, and Port Hedland Flight Service Centre as scheduled.