‘Asleep’ pilot missed destination in Australia, officials say.
A pilot missed his landing by almost 50km after allegedly falling asleep during a chartered flight.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau have said they are investigating a case of ‘pilot incapacitation’ following the November 8 flight from Devonport in Tasmania to neighbouring King Island.
Flight tracking data showed the 6.21am flight landed safely at King Island Airport near the town of Currie despite overshooting its target by 46km.
The data, obtained by The Australian, showed the trip was one of seven flights flown that day by the Piper PA-31 Navajo VH-TWU.
The twin-engine plane can carry nine passengers and was built in 1975.
In a statement, the ATSB said the investigation will involve reviewing operational Vortex Air procedures and interviewing the pilot.
The ATSB allege that ‘during the cruise the pilot fell asleep resulting in the aircraft overflying King Island by 46km’.
Investigators have classified it as a ‘serious operational incident’ and are in the process of collecting evidence ahead of a final report.
The report will be published at the end of the investigation, expected by March 2019.
Vortex Air’s managing director Colin Tucker declined to comment on the investigation when contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
