Ironpot

Not manslaughter: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-13/mcdougall-manslaugher-charge-dropped-fatal-plane-crash-qld/104596160

Final report: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2024/report/ao-2024-033

consult the bible … er AIP: 1.1 General 1.1.1 Whenever an accurate QNH is available and the aircraft is at a known elevation, pilots must conduct an accuracy check of the aircraft altimeter(s) at some point prior to takeoff. Note: Where the first check indicates that an altimeter is unserviceable, the pilot is permitted to conduct a further check at another location on the same airfield; for example, the first on the tarmac and the second at the runway threshold (to determine altimeter serviceability). 1.4 Accurate QNH and Site Elevation 1.4.1 A QNH can be considered accurate only if it is provided by one of the following: a. AAIS; b. ATC; c. ATIS; d. AWIS; e. CA/GRS; or f. WATIR. Note: QNH contained in an authorised weather forecast must not be used for checking the accuracy of a pressure altitude system. 1.4.2 Site elevation must be derived from aerodrome survey data that is authorised in writing by either CASA or an NAA, or supplied in writing by the relevant aerodrome operator. 2.2 Area QNH 2.2.1 Area QNH is a forecast value which is valid for a period of 3 hours and normally applies throughout an Area QNH Zone (AQZ). 2.2.2 Area QNH Zones will be subdivided, if necessary, to meet the following standards of accuracy: a. Area QNH forecasts are to be within ± 5 hPa of the actual QNH at any low-level point (below 1,000FT AMSL) within or on, the boundary of the appropriate area during the period of validity of the forecasts. b. Area QNH must not differ from an adjoining Area QNH by more than 5 hPa.

I just went to plan a flight. Lovely blue skies here but when I opened the EFB …. It’s TCU CBs, thunderstorms with moderate rain. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t have looked at the GAF and ATIS prior but it’s so good to see it instantly.

I dunno. I don’t know the guy but this is a 2000 hr pilot; 1500 in this aircraft. Top of descent, 20 miles to run, 5500 to descend … I think he’s in front of the aircraft. And then …. the aircraft exceeds VNE??? I don’t think that incapacitation can be ruled out so easily.

If it’s the right aircraft and it’s suitably equipped ( autopilot?) it’s not a problem.

Overflying Maree Man is on my bucket list.

William Creek is well worth a visit.

Yep and that’s what he was attempting to do. https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/5781079/ao-2020-012-final-3.pdf I have to admit that I still don’t know what I would have done differently had I been in the left hand seat of either of these two aircraft. Maybe look to better understand the intentions of traffic. Where I fly we generally have RPTs to contend with but it’s just a case of listening out, let them know your intentions, and then allow them plenty of room/time.

ADSB - in is great. You see everything that is suitably equipped out to 50 miles. I often get alerted by ATS to aircraft on reciprocal track “ … ABC is in your 12 o’clock 1000 above/below and will pass you in x minutes” However, with all that technology, I’m amazed at the number of times I don’t see a kingair or aerocommander even when I know exactly where to look!

ATSB report. So bloody sad. https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/AO-2024-002 Final report pdf.pdf

Deano; does the tower give “caution, wake turbulence “ ?

No it wasn’t me. Could you edit that one please.

Apologies I didn’t want to cause a debate on LSALT. Like everyone else, I try to learn something from these reports and take something a way that I can use, should I find myself in a similar situation. My personal solution will not work for everybody and l’m not suggesting non-instrument rated pilots even think of using this! Climbing to grid LSALT was 5200 (10 nm Amberley would be better and that’s 3400) but this guy would still be in cloud, and copping flak from ATS but on Autopilot and safe. ATS would’ve had him on radar and vectored him to safety somewhere. That’s what they are there for. I can’t imagine the shit he would’ve copped afterwards. But he was retiring 2 months later! Hey ho!

It is important! I think you forgot NVFR!!!! The illustration should be 10 miles left and right of track and it’s only applicable if you’re TSO’d GNSS equipped; otherwise you have to calculate lowest safe by reference to the aids available. In practice, I think this pilot would be aware of “Grid” LSALT as shown on the ERC (not the VFR) chart. So just switch to ERC on your iPad/tablet and the big blue number indicates the LSALT for the grid square that you’re situated.