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Australia; VIC; QLD; SA
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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Dr Douglas Drury is Discipline Leader, Aviation in the School of Engineering, University of South Australia
The King Air is a very reliable aircraft with many years in service around the globe. The take-off sequence for airplanes is a critical phase of flight and can be the most problematic with an emergency such as an engine failure.
Pilot training focuses on engine failures at take-off due to the critical nature and potential outcome, making is one of the most practiced emergencies required by CASA [Civil Aviation Safety Authority].
Professor Roger Stone is Director of the International Centre for Applied Climate Sciences at the University of Southern Queensland. He worked for many years as an aviation meteorologist
It’s a big mistake to call a Beechcraft King Air a ‘light plane’. It's more a commuter airliner and long distance transport aircraft.
This aircraft can carry 15 people and has huge global use, including widespread successful operations with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
It is normally regarded as a very rugged and sturdy aircraft and also has exceptionally long range and performance characteristics.
Very coincidentally, a very similar but earlier version Beechcraft King Air crashed on take-off from Sydney Airport on 21st February 1980 (same day, to the day, 37 years ago) with engine failure…losing one engine on take-off is very hazardous.