A pilot for Australia’s Vortex Air, flying from Devonport to King Island on Nov 8, unintentionally fell asleep while in command of the aircraft, and flew past the destination. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft and no one was injured.
According to a media statement from Vortex Air, “The issue became apparent when air traffic control was unable to contact the pilot in-flight, and the aircraft traveled past the intended destination point while operating on autopilot. The pilot safely landed the aircraft at King Island airport.
The flight was the pilots’ first rostered flight with the company after returning from a period of leave, and they had declared themselves fit to fly. The pilot was adequately experienced and had previously flown the route a number of times without incident.”
There is an ongoing investigation into the incident.
