UPDATE: A dramatic plane crash involving MP Robbie Katter occurred at Mount Isa Airport in North Queensland around noon on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Katter’s heavily pregnant wife, Daisy Katter, and his parliamentary chief of staff, Cameron Parker, were on board the aircraft but miraculously emerged uninjured.
The incident marks the second crash for Katter’s personal plane, a 1985 Mooney M20, within three years. “It was pretty traumatic for everyone, particularly my wife,” Katter told ABC News. The emotional weight of the situation was evident, as Katter expressed concern for his family’s safety while pilot in command.
Eyewitness reports indicate significant damage to the aircraft, which skidded during landing. “If you look a bit close, you can see there’s a lot of damage,” Katter acknowledged. The MP confirmed that the matter will now be turned over to insurance for assessment and recovery.
This alarming incident raises questions about aviation safety, especially given Katter’s previous crash in May 2023 at the same airport, where he failed to deploy the landing gear. That mishap resulted in the plane landing on its undercarriage and skidding approximately 50 meters before coming to a halt.
Katter described the earlier crash as a “big wake-up call” and reflected on the psychological impact that flying with family and staff brings. “There’s a very real sense of responsibility,” he emphasized, underscoring the heavy burden pilots carry when their loved ones are on board.
Authorities are investigating the current crash, while the Katter family is grateful for their safety amidst this harrowing experience. The story continues to develop as more details emerge about the crash and its implications for air travel safety in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
