An investigation is underway into why an Australian charter pilot flying a Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain for Vortex Air, fell asleep inflight during the early morning hours of November 8. The aircraft overflew its original destination, King Island perched in Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania by 29 miles. Once the pilot, the only person aboard the aircraft woke up, the aircraft and its cargo of freight returned to King Island and landed safely.
Australian Charter Pilot Overflies Destination After Falling Asleep
Key Takeaways:
- An Australian charter pilot for Vortex Air fell asleep during a November 8 freight flight, overshooting King Island by 29 miles before waking and landing safely.
- The pilot was the sole occupant, flying a Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain on autopilot when the incident occurred.
- The pilot's severe fatigue due to personal issues is cited as the cause, and an investigation is underway into the incident and Vortex Air's awareness of the pilot's condition.
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