Terrifying plane crash ends in survival for pregnant woman and companions
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Three people are counting their lucky stars after surviving a harrowing light plane crash in the outback.
The aircraft went down suddenly, leaving them shaken but miraculously unharmed.
What could have ended in disaster instead became a story of survival and relief.
The incident unfolded just before midday, as MP Robbie Katter was piloting his trusty white and green 1985 Mooney M20 from Normanton to Mount Isa Airport.
What should have been a routine landing quickly turned into a heart-stopping ordeal.
According to Katter, the trouble began after the plane touched down, only for it to become 'slightly airborne and then back down again'—a moment that would make even the most seasoned pilot’s heart skip a beat.
'There’s an element of panic, and I think that detracts from your judgment, but that’s something you work on as a pilot, is trying to be certain in those moments,' Katter reflected, speaking candidly about the experience.
'Thoroughly regretful that it happened, and I’m pretty hard on myself, so getting myself into that position… the best I can say is I’m just committed to trying to improve on where those areas come from.'
While the physical outcome was a relief—no injuries to anyone on board, including Daisy and their unborn child—the psychological impact was significant.
'The only damage is psychological, but it hasn’t fooled me. Certainly would knock me for six,' Katter admitted, echoing the sentiment of anyone who’s ever had a close call.
Unfortunately, the Mooney M20 didn’t fare as well. The aircraft suffered damage that may render it beyond repair, a blow for Katter, who has relied on aviation since 2018 to traverse his vast electorate—one of the largest in Australia, spanning a staggering 428,900 square kilometres of rural and outback Queensland.
For Katter, flying isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity. 'That’s helped me get better use out of my travel budget, and it’s helped me get around the electorate a lot more effectively,' he explained.
With communities scattered across such a massive area, aviation has become an essential part of his work as the Traeger MP and leader of Katter’s Australian Party.
In the days before the crash, Katter had been on a whirlwind tour, visiting Doomadgee, Burketown, Mornington Island, and Normanton, demonstrating the sheer scale and demands of representing such a remote region.
Despite the drama, operations at Mount Isa Airport continued as usual, with a spokesperson confirming the incident didn’t disrupt their schedule.
Meanwhile, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.
As for Katter, he’s taking a cautious approach before getting back in the cockpit. 'It’s too early for me to get back in the air,' he said, noting that he’ll be working with his insurers to assess the next steps.
'I’ll try and get back in the air and get around pretty soon. In the meantime, I’ll just be driving a lot more. It won’t hurt me to drive around.'
Katter’s experience highlights the unique challenges faced by those living and working in remote Australia.
For many, light aircraft are not a luxury but a lifeline—connecting isolated communities, providing access to essential services, and enabling local representatives to do their jobs effectively.
However, as this incident shows, flying in the outback comes with its own set of risks, from unpredictable weather to challenging landing strips.
For our members who are pilots or frequent flyers in regional areas, Katter’s story is a timely reminder of the importance of ongoing training, regular aircraft maintenance, and always being prepared for the unexpected.
Even the most experienced pilots can find themselves in tricky situations, and it’s crucial to stay calm and focused when things don’t go to plan.
Have you ever experienced a travel scare or a close call? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to others? Share your stories in the comments below.
Read more: ‘I stood up and ran’: He walked away from the wreckage of the Air India crash no one else survived
The aircraft went down suddenly, leaving them shaken but miraculously unharmed.
What could have ended in disaster instead became a story of survival and relief.
The incident unfolded just before midday, as MP Robbie Katter was piloting his trusty white and green 1985 Mooney M20 from Normanton to Mount Isa Airport.
What should have been a routine landing quickly turned into a heart-stopping ordeal.
A light plane crash near Mount Isa left three people, including an MP and his pregnant wife, shaken but uninjured. Credit: Facebook
According to Katter, the trouble began after the plane touched down, only for it to become 'slightly airborne and then back down again'—a moment that would make even the most seasoned pilot’s heart skip a beat.
'There’s an element of panic, and I think that detracts from your judgment, but that’s something you work on as a pilot, is trying to be certain in those moments,' Katter reflected, speaking candidly about the experience.
'Thoroughly regretful that it happened, and I’m pretty hard on myself, so getting myself into that position… the best I can say is I’m just committed to trying to improve on where those areas come from.'
While the physical outcome was a relief—no injuries to anyone on board, including Daisy and their unborn child—the psychological impact was significant.
'The only damage is psychological, but it hasn’t fooled me. Certainly would knock me for six,' Katter admitted, echoing the sentiment of anyone who’s ever had a close call.
Unfortunately, the Mooney M20 didn’t fare as well. The aircraft suffered damage that may render it beyond repair, a blow for Katter, who has relied on aviation since 2018 to traverse his vast electorate—one of the largest in Australia, spanning a staggering 428,900 square kilometres of rural and outback Queensland.
For Katter, flying isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity. 'That’s helped me get better use out of my travel budget, and it’s helped me get around the electorate a lot more effectively,' he explained.
With communities scattered across such a massive area, aviation has become an essential part of his work as the Traeger MP and leader of Katter’s Australian Party.
In the days before the crash, Katter had been on a whirlwind tour, visiting Doomadgee, Burketown, Mornington Island, and Normanton, demonstrating the sheer scale and demands of representing such a remote region.
Meanwhile, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.
As for Katter, he’s taking a cautious approach before getting back in the cockpit. 'It’s too early for me to get back in the air,' he said, noting that he’ll be working with his insurers to assess the next steps.
'I’ll try and get back in the air and get around pretty soon. In the meantime, I’ll just be driving a lot more. It won’t hurt me to drive around.'
Katter’s experience highlights the unique challenges faced by those living and working in remote Australia.
However, as this incident shows, flying in the outback comes with its own set of risks, from unpredictable weather to challenging landing strips.
For our members who are pilots or frequent flyers in regional areas, Katter’s story is a timely reminder of the importance of ongoing training, regular aircraft maintenance, and always being prepared for the unexpected.
Even the most experienced pilots can find themselves in tricky situations, and it’s crucial to stay calm and focused when things don’t go to plan.
Read more: ‘I stood up and ran’: He walked away from the wreckage of the Air India crash no one else survived
