Spatial disorientation — Piper Navajo, Kimberley region

Summary

A charter Piper Navajo Chieftain was lost in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The wreckage was located 11 days after the aircraft departed Kununurra at night in deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft impacted terrain in a controlled flight into terrain profile consistent with spatial disorientation.

Investigation Findings (5)

1. 01The pilot held a commercial pilot licence but was not instrument-rated.
2. 02Weather at the time of departure included embedded convective cells along the planned route.
3. 03Satellite phone contact was lost approximately 20 minutes after departure.
4. 04Wreckage analysis indicated the aircraft impacted in a near-vertical dive at high speed, consistent with loss of control following spatial disorientation.
5. 05The ATSB noted the pilot had previously reported pressure from the charter operator to complete flights in marginal weather.