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 inflight, causing his Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain to overfly its King Island destination by 29 miles before he woke up and landed safely.
- The pilot, who was the sole occupant and had the aircraft on autopilot, reportedly had very little sleep due to personal issues prior to the incident.
- An investigation is underway to determine the cause and address questions about whether Vortex Air noticed the pilot's fatigued state before the freight flight.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
