No disrespect for the crew or families
Having done a fair bit of MPT work in the area there are not many nights you would want to fly NVFR over water in the whitsundays... after leaving the coast from mackay to hamilton there are not many visual references on a black night, the approach to hamilton is from the south, the resort is on the northern side.... so not much visible lighting from the south.
this only leaves navigation by reference the instruments.... isn't that IFR????
Brisbane radar track apparently shows a right turn followed by a climbing sharp left turn, then steep descent before lost from radar.
Sadly this is another example that VFR machines should not be doing this off shore work at night especially in EMS where the pressure is high to get the job done or face criticism.
Praise must be given to the crew from Hamilton Island for the fast response and subsequent finding of the downed 407.
This was carried out in an IFR BK117 with two pilots, two crew and nitesun. Good work Garry....
Lets hope that the authorities finally get their act together, there have been too many NVFR EMS accidents in QLD over the past few years.... due to flight in non NVFR conditions.
Condolances to the families involved...
Scattercat & steve76
Lowest Safe Between MKY and HTI is 3000.
With a forcast of SCT CU/SC 2500/8000... its not too good seeing as your CRZ LVL VFR should be 4500
Also pilots flying in the area reported no moon that night, makes for a very black night over water.